SPARKLE 1976 with Irene Cara streaming on Youtube

RIP, Irene.

This movie was a lot better than the remake. It had a gritty, grimy quality that stood out amongst other musicals, much less glossy than a Dreamgirls or similar. The set pieces are very realistic, and Cara and the entire cast do great work. The real star of the show is Curtis Mayfield, I think it's some of his best work as a composer. The fact that En Vogue were having hits 20 years later covering the same songs (and wearing the same outfits as Cara) is a testament to his timeless songcraft.

The film itself may have been better remembered if they didn't let Aretha Franklin re-record the entire soundtrack. It kind of buried the original performances a little, as good as they were. She was maybe at her vocal peak here - I think she'd stopped smoking (temporarily - lol). The opening run on 'Something He Can Feel' is spine tingling.

YouTube does not "stream" movies as far as I know.

OK I take that back. Sorry for being crabby. It's the first of streaming sites.

I’m watching it via YouTube app on my 📺

I think it’s shitty that fucking Aretha Franklin was allowed to take over the soundtrack album. I like Irene Cara and Lonette McKee’s vocals in all of the featured songs in the movie. It’s a crime they didn’t appear on the movie soundtrack album. Aretha is a hog.

^^^ agree 100%

Both Irene and Lonette are so "unsung"/underrated

Thank you, OP, for the film link. I loved Irene Cara, no matter what he was in. She was a true triple threat and gave off a warm, sensitive vibe.

Lonette McKee gave an amazing heartbreaking performance! Sister really had it going on and burned it to the ground!

That movie was shot so poorly. Shit lighting. Props, etc. No budget. Shit acting from the mother. It wasn’t watchable despite liking Cara, McKee, Thomas.

R10 STFU.

[quote]I think it’s shitty that fucking Aretha Franklin was allowed to take over the soundtrack album. I like Irene Cara and Lonette McKee’s vocals in all of the featured songs in the movie. It’s a crime they didn’t appear on the movie soundtrack album. Aretha is a hog.

I wonder what was the story behind that. If Aretha, who is my favorite female singer, was going to do the soundtrack, then why wasn't her vocals used in the movie? With that said, I loved L McGee's vocals better and that is saying something. Most people did, so why was Aretha used for the soundtrack?

I swear I can't remember any movie in which this happened.

#JusticeforSparkle/Irene/Lonette

R12 both Aretha and Curtis must have wanted her to have the first shot at those tunes. The label probably thought it would sell better..... and if the film was a hit, then put out the soundtrack vocals....... Strange, though. You would think through the years someone would have put Irene and Lonette out as bonus tracks on someting.

It’s a shit movie that nobody in 2022 could stand to watch. I dare you to try.

It's before my time, but I always stop to watch it on YT.

R16 I don't understand. One "stops to watch" something on TV that happens to be programmed and airing, at a random moment one happens have time to watch it.

Things on YOUTUBE are on there permanently and available to start any second of every day.

R2, I really feel Sparkle is one of Aretha's best albums.

[quote]Things on YOUTUBE are on there permanently and available to start any second of every day.

I listen to the songs, and sometimes, I see scenes of the movie or the movie itself.

I’m a sour ass

Don't like this film, but McKee is the star. The film is noted for the beauty of the female leads.