Weekend B.O. Aug 24-26 ('Sparkle' Drops Big Time)

14 Comments

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• Princess P. | August 28, 2012 2:22 AMReply

  "Sparkle" was not a bust, but it also wasn't the mega-hit people thought it would be. Whitney Houston was the superstar of the film. And, since her passing people lost interest. People, perhaps, knew that it could not be better than the original. And, people are angry about Whitney's death. People miss Whitney. The movie would have done a lot better if Whitney were still alive. Rest in peace Whitney Houston. We love you and miss you!!!

• Laydmay | August 27, 2012 1:29 PMReply

  I loved the cast for the movie and I was all for seeing this movie (initially), but then I purposely boycotted it when I found out that Bishop Jakes was producing it. My opinion is that this was not an appropriate film for a Church leader to be producing. IMO, church leaders who want to make movies, should make movies to advance the Kingdom of God and win souls to Christ. I still would love to see the movie, but I won't support it buy going to see it a theater. Maybe when it is on cable or available on Netflix I'll watch.

• ruth | August 27, 2012 1:25 AMReply

  I may not be a Hollywood insider, but I enjoyed. the movie. For once I was watching a film featuring beautiful Black women who were not domestics, unattractive sidekick to a wonderful white woman, totally dysfunctional, or morbidly obese. How refreshing! It's run is not over yet! At least its a step in the right direction. We need to see more Black female glamour. The makeup was flawless and the costumes beautiful. I enjoyed Jordin Sparks had a believable innocence to her role. Maybe if inside haters wouldn't bad mouth it so bad it would bring in stronger receipts. Nevertheless, we , the audience. want to see Black women in more positive glamorous roles.

• Orville | August 27, 2012 4:03 PM

  Well, there is the Zane movie coming out maybe next year which seems interesting a beautiful black woman is obsessed with sex and she goes to a female therapist to help her with her sexual addiction. I think the movie is going to be called Addicted. I can see Kerry Washington playing the lead character in that film. Addicted will be a change of pace because the lead actress in that movie will go through a range of emotions. I think it could be the black version of the 2002 film Unfaithful.

• Orville | August 26, 2012 10:09 PMReply

  Sparkle isn't doing poorly the movie only cost $14 million to make. What did Sergio expect with a movie with no leading ladies? Whitney Houston is dead she can't promote the movie so there is less interest in the film. Jordin Sparks isn't star nor is she a proven actress. This film was a recipe for disaster once Whitney died. If Whitney was alive I guarantee Sparkle would be more successful because of Whitney's superstar status. But since Whitney is deceased the public isn't interested in Sparkle.

• D.C. Kirkwood | August 26, 2012 8:38 PMReply

  Sparkle is doing better than the Bourne Legacy, talk about an inferior remake. A budget of $125million wasted, they are the ones that will struggle to even make their budget back. Breaking even is not even in the equation.

• sergio | August 26, 2012 10:05 PM

  Also I should say I know why D.C. and Julius are so defensive. What's they're really saying is: "Please let Sparkle be a hit. It it isn't that all we'll get will be Tyler Perry movies and rom-coms based on Steve Harvey books. I don't want to hear that Sparkle flopped. I'm going to stick my fingers in my ears and sing to myself... Lalalalalala Sparkle is the biggest hit of the summer...lalalalalalala"

• Darkan | August 26, 2012 9:36 PM

  Agreed! "Show you right Sergio!" People don't want to say when something is bad anymore. What has the world come to?

• sergio | August 26, 2012 9:25 PM

  And Ted has done over $200 million with a budget under $50 million and is even doing bigger business overseas in some countries than Dark Knight Rises. Your point being what? Films succeed and films fail. And Sparkle is doing less than what was expected. The studio and box office analysts said the film would do somewhere in the neighborhood of $50 million opening at $20-22 million. It'll barely make half that. You can parse it anyway you want. The film is a box office disappointment. I didn't call it bust like Total Recall, but it's a disppointment all the same

• julius hollingsworth | August 26, 2012 7:02 PMReply

  jordin sparks isn't a horrible actress.Heart felt performances all a round.The film cost 14 milion to make it has all ready made it's money back.It will grow.Wonderful film.I love the new film.

• CareyCarey | August 26, 2012 10:01 PM

  @Sergio, you said Sparkle is a bust... and I agree. I mean, not just monetarily, I believe from the top down this production was doomed for failure. Heck, you said it "the orginal 1976 is so beloved by people, why would anyone to want to see an inferior remake of what is considered a cherished near classic?". Now Sergio, that leads me to a question I've been meaning to ask you. Well, it goes without question that you're pretty good at identifying a "good" film and whether or not it will succeed at the box office. Time and time again you've made predictions which came true. RE: a "good" film, I've viewed many of your suggestions and I can't remember being disappointed. 2 days ago you said 'Dancing In September' was a real gem that's worth seeing. YES, I viewed it yesterday and it was all the things you mentioned.(sidenote: Nicole Ari Parker is one of the best black actresses on the scene). So now Think Like a Man makes millions, Tyler Perry has made millions off his films. But yet, Sparkle is a bust. So, aside from the re-make angle, what, in your opinion are the defining differences in the above films (i.e. actors, writing, directors, advertising, competition, target audience, genre, luck, etc? Heck, as you know DeVon Franklin has been named Senior Vice President of Production for Columbia Pictures. In his new role, Franklin will find, develop and supervise production of commercial material geared towards the urban and faith-based markets. Now I'm thinking I wouldn't want that man's job for nothing in the world because we're a fickled group. But you, Mr Sergio, I believe that man is sitting in your seat. Anyway, as I asked, why the busts and what's the distinct differences?

• Sergio | August 26, 2012 8:36 PM

  Well at least ONE person is happy since they're not at Sony. A under $25 million gross for a $14 million movie is not great. And that's before marketing which was probably another $10-14 million. But then you've obviously very easy to please. And when you consider that Think Like A Man which was made for $12 milli0n made over $90 million at the box office, Sparkle is a bust. Which gives me an idea for a new piece

• ernest champell | August 26, 2012 6:35 PMReply

  sorry to say but Dream Girls came out just a few years ago. I think folks are tired of yet another 60's Supreme wanna bee flick. Time for Black Hollywood to come up with some fresh new ideas rather than rehash the same old stuff.

• Melissa | August 26, 2012 2:33 PMReply

  Poor sparkle... it could really effect future black film project funding though. But from the previews Jordin Sparks is a HORRIBLE actress.