'Sparkle' remake premieres on STARZ: 10 differences from the original

There’s a big difference between owning a clothing boutique and working as a maid, as Mama Effie (played by actress Mary Alice) did in the 1976 original.    In the 2012 remake, Emma (played by the late Whitney Houston) owns a clothing boutique to support her family.   In the spirit of female empowerment, it makes sense that the Akils chose to highlight a black woman in an ambitious career. Original "Sparkle" fans may recall that the story takes place in Harlem. However, the new-and-improved version is set in Detroit.   As Detroit is the home of Motown, this tidbit gives filmmakers additional room to make creative changes to the plot.The film’s most obvious change is the time period, jumping ahead to 1968.   Anyone who has lived through the Civil Rights era knows what a difference a decade makes.   The oppression of African Americans during this time was an important theme in the first film.   The Akils didn’t exactly gloss over this fact.    But moving the time period closer to the 70s makes it easier to focus more on the girls’ singing careers.View the list »
2012 remake

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Husband and wife filmmakers Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil were more than just a bit nervous when they presented a remake of classic film “Sparkle” in 2012. The star-studded affair which runs exclusively on STARZ cable network on March 23, just so happens to be one of the most influential films in urban pop culture. It’s clear that this movie-making duo took great care in giving us an authentic restoration of the 1976 original. While new generation viewers got a chance to see this film with fresh eyes, more mature audiences noticed quite a few significant changes from the first. Did the updates take away from the original’s charm? Maybe, maybe not…

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  • The film’s most obvious change is the time period, jumping ahead to 1968.   Anyone who has lived through the Civil Rights era knows what a difference a decade makes.   The oppression of African Americans during this time was an important theme in the first film.   The Akils didn’t exactly gloss over this fact.    But moving the time period closer to the 70s makes it easier to focus more on the girls’ singing careers.
  • Original "Sparkle" fans may recall that the story takes place in Harlem. However, the new-and-improved version is set in Detroit.   As Detroit is the home of Motown, this tidbit gives filmmakers additional room to make creative changes to the plot.
  • There’s a big difference between owning a clothing boutique and working as a maid, as Mama Effie (played by actress Mary Alice) did in the 1976 original.    In the 2012 remake, Emma (played by the late Whitney Houston) owns a clothing boutique to support her family.   In the spirit of female empowerment, it makes sense that the Akils chose to highlight a black woman in an ambitious career. 
  • In the older version, Effie smokes a cigarette while watching her girls perform.   Considering that “Sparkle” was Houston’s cinematic comeback, it seems obvious that she would sing a moving hymn (which wasn’t a part of the original) in the film -- and avoid smoking altogether.
  • In the original film, Sparkle is 15 years old when she and Stix go to a motel to have sex.    In today’s “politically correct” world, this is a definite no-no.  As such, the newer version places Sparkle at the ripe old age of 19.  (Interestingly, late singer Aaliyah was once considered for the lead role – but died before filming could begin.)  
  • Mama isn’t the only one to get a better job in the updated version.   Satin Struthers is a local gangster in the classic film.   But his character in the 2012 movie (played by Mike Epps) is portrayed as a smarmy comedian with a bad attitude and violent tendencies.     
  • One of the biggest changes is in Mama’s attitude towards her children’s singing aspirations.   In 1976, Effie was very proud of her girls' singing skills and even visited the nightclub where they performed.   Fast forward a few decades and Emma (Houston) is a former singer who blatantly opposes any forms of secular music.   This might be considered a random coincidence if T.D. Jakes, who is committed to offering movies with a message, hadn’t produced the film.   It’s possible the switch was a result of his religious hand…    
  • The movie’s first run included members of the mafia who kidnap and threaten Stix in order to obtain a stake in Sparkle’s musical success.  The Akils chose to completely skip the detail of Stix’s (played by Derek Luke) kidnapping from the freshened version, keeping the focus squarely on the music.
  • Dolores in the older film, takes matters into her own hands by seducing one of Satin's thugs in an attempt to frame Satin in a drug sting. The ploy has devastating results in the original film.   Sexual manipulation is perhaps something that filmmakers wanted to avoid depicting on screen.
  • The most significant change of all is in the way of a major plot twist:  In the classic, Sister dies of a drug overdose.   In the remake, Satin dies and Sister takes the rap for his death.    Swapping tragedy for martyrdom may seem gratuitous.   But in addition to serving our need for a more satisfied ending, we’re allowed to bask in newcomer Jordin Sparks’ acting debut.   
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, Atlanta Urban Entertainment Examiner

Ayanna Guyhto, a transplanted "New Yawwwker", is a freelance writer, musician, and visual artist. This pop culture enthusiast's coverage of hot urban topics comes from an unusual, yet eye-catching perspective. Contact her at indieflickjunkie@yahoo.com.

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