Season of the Flicks - Sparkle review

Season of the Flicks

SPARKLE
By Sally Wright

Black films this year are looking good: better scripting, directing, photography, and acting. "Sparkle," another original black-oriented film, gives us a shot of this positiveness. Not a heavy flick, the movie nonetheless combines enough funky music, street level realism, and romantic nostalgia to hit right in the center of the thirsty black entertainment market, with added appeal to black youth. The producers should have a winner.

"Sparkle" 's eager young cast and Curtis Mayfield's soundtrack rise above a mediocre script and choppy story line that is quite easy to follow. Sparkle is the youngest member of a trio of sisters who almost sing their way to fame and fortune, only to break up due to heroin and the brutalism of a local gangster. Sparkle, played convincingly by Irene Cara, reaches for the top of the recording business with the help of Sticks (Phillip Thomas), her boyfriend and manager.

Irene Cara and Phillip Thomas play characters who have innocence, honesty, and determination; Ms. Cara could emerge a major star from the film, possibly a black "teenage idol." In the same mold, Phillip Thomas, with boyish good looks and plenty of acting potential, is a hit.

The actress to notice is Detroiter Lonette McKee, who has the most dramatic role in the film as the drug-addicted sister, Ms. McKee's role, although a supporting one, did give us an exciting glimpse of her singing and acting talents. She looks good given the freedom to develop and grow as an actress, she could be a powerful force.

This is a good film for the family – certainly anyone who has lived in the ghetto will identify with the characters, their struggles, their downfalls, and their success.

NOTE: We had the opportunity to see "Sparkle" at its Gala Premier at the Norwest Theater, which was also a benefit for the Police Athletic League. There couldn't be a more worthy cause than P.A.L., and (contrary to what you might read in the city's dailies) P.A.L.'s Director, Dick "Night Train" Lane, deserves all the praise we can give for "bringing out the folks" in such a grand manner. Let's hope he gets the support he deserves.