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Sparkle is a 2012 American musical drama film directed by Salim Akil and starring Jordin Sparks, Carmen Ejogo, and the late Whitney Houston in her last movie role before her passing. The film is a remake of the 1976 film of the same name and follows the story of three sisters from Detroit who form a singing group in the late 1960s. The film is set in the midst of the Motown era, against the backdrop of racial tension and civil rights movements in Detroit. Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) is the youngest of the sisters who dreams of becoming a music star, but is overshadowed by her older sister Sister (Carmen Ejogo), who is the lead singer of the group. Their third sister, Dolores (Tika Sumpter), is the group's songwriter who dreams of leaving Detroit for a better life in California. The sisters' mother (Whitney Houston) is a former singer who is determined to see her daughters succeed, but struggles with her own demons.

The film explores the ups and downs of the sister's journey to stardom, from performing in local clubs to signing a record deal and facing the challenges of the music industry. Along the way, they encounter love interests, including Stix (Derek Luke), a record producer who falls for Sparkle, but faces opposition from her mother, and Satin (Mike Epps), a gangster who Sister falls for and who threatens the safety of the group.

The film is packed with musical numbers, showcasing the talents of the actors. Jordin Sparks, who rose to fame as the winner of American Idol, shines in her debut film role, delivering powerful vocals and a natural acting ability. Carmen Ejogo is equally impressive as the stunning lead singer of the group who fights to maintain control, but ultimately struggles with addiction.

Whitney Houston delivers a poignant performance in her final film role, playing the conflicted mother who is torn between her own past and her desire to see her daughters succeed. Houston also serves as an executive producer on the film, along with Debra Martin Chase and Mara Brock Akil.

The film is visually stunning, with vibrant costumes and sets that transport viewers back to the Motown era. The musical numbers are choreographed expertly and showcase the talents of the actors, particularly Jordin Sparks, who delivers show-stopping performances throughout the film.

Overall, Sparkle is a poignant and emotionally charged film that explores the challenges of the music industry and the power of family and sisterhood. The film is a fitting tribute to Whitney Houston's legacy and showcases the talents of a talented cast of actors.

Sparkle is a 2012 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 54.