Quote:When Whitney Houston died in February, fans recalled her 35-year-long career and the legacy she left behind. But fans also had one more thing to grasp onto: "Sparkle." The film, which co-stars Jordin Sparks, is Houston's silver screen goodbye.

Houston plays Emma, the girls' over-bearing mother who was a former R&B singer. The character's mistakes and struggles in the music industry pushed her to turn toward the church for solace.

"Envisioned as a starring vehicle for Sparks, 'Sparkle' is also a fitting curtain call for Houston," USA Today reporter Claudia Puig said. "Her character's ultimate willingness to acknowledge her daughter's dreams and encourage the musical aspirations of the next generation is a lovely final tribute."

Houston's performance aside, the film overall received decent reviews, but critics were sure to highlight the pitfalls, many of which focused on Sparks' performance.

"The film is meant to be a showcase for Sparks. But while she is a sweet presence, she isn't a natural actress," the New York Daily News' Elizabeth Weitzman wrote. "She lacks the vulnerability of Irene Cara, the original Sparkle, and doesn't seem fully comfortable until the soaring finale, when she's allowed to tap into her true gift: her voice."

"While the film's melodrama is laughable (after Sister's comedian beau, played by Mike Epps, flops at a club, the two run – in slow-motion – to the car), the real problem is that it's unclear who the main character is supposed to be," according to People magazine's Lesley Messer. Messer goes on to say that, even though the title makes it seem like Sparkle (Sparks) is the star, the plot revolves mainly around Sister (Carmen Ejogo).

Messer concludes, writing, "If 'Dreamgirls' was a diamond, 'Sparkle' is a cubic zirconia: It feels like a cheap imitation of the real thing."