Some movies have so much hype before their release, but then fall short of expectations. Unfortunately, ‘Sparkle’ falls into that category.

‘Sparkle’ is a remake of the 1976 movie. It is about three sisters trying to make it big in the Motown scene in 1968. Sparkle is often overshadowed by her two older sisters, especially Sister. Along the way, the trio deals with drugs, controversy, abusive relationships and an overprotective mother.

Sounds familiar, right?  Does ‘Dreamgirls’ bring a bell to anyone?

The movie didn’t live up to Toonari Post’s expectations because it was lacking that extra sparkle. The plot of the movie focused so much on getting a record deal but did not dive deep into what happened after Sparkle scored a record deal, which made the movie feel incomplete. The movie focused so much on how Sister dealt with fame, drugs, fortune, her abusive relationship with her husband, and her sisters trying to help her fight her problems.

There was a lot of hype and excitement surrounding the release of this film because of the death of Whitney Houston. Unlike ‘Dreamgirls,’ it may not get any Golden Globes, Oscar nominations or awards, but I do think this was a great last performance from the late Whitney Houston. She was a great singer and actress, and in this film, it showed that she truly enjoyed being a mother.

However, the acting felt a little forced, especially during the make-out scenes.  But there were definitely some standouts in the movie. Whitney Houston, of course, was one of them. Playing a mother came natural to her.  Jordin Sparks did a good job as well, especially since this was her first movie, even though the interactions with other characters were a little painful to watch. Carmen Ejogo did a good job playing Sister, one of Sparkle’s older sisters who became involved with drugs.

The song choices in this movie were not that great at all because they sounded more “church oriented” than the sounds of Motown. Despite that, Jordin outshined everyone, including Whitney Houston, when it came singing.

Sparkle was more suited for the small screen and did not have all the glitz and glamor as one would expect. Overall, Toonari Post had high expectations for this movie, but it was lacking in certain vital places.

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Zombies are not usually known for their singing and dancing. Shambling through the misty woods in search of brains, yes. Belting out peppy songs while doing complex choreography, not so much. But in Love, Death, Brains: A Pete Rydberg Musical Meme, they do all that and more.

Love, Death, Brains is a reimaging of an earlier zombie musical called Z-Town. Both are based on a book by Sarah Mucek (who also wrote the songs’ lyrics) and feature music by Meghan Rose. Director Pete Rydberg also played a key role in transforming the show. But while Z-Town was a fairly dark piece, Love, Death, Brains is much lighter in tone.

At its heart, the show is about a culture-clash of epic proportions. Dr. Scott Crawford (Alex Brick) brings his son James (Stuart Mott) to Z-Town at the behest of his fellow scientist Dr. Rhonda Greenblad (Jamie England). Although Crawford tells his son that Z-Town is merely a leper colony, it is actually a top-secret government facility run where zombies can go about their business in peace under the watchful eye of a government agent who has orders to keep the zombies in, and everyone else out. Meanwhile, bumbling amateur detectives/conspiracy theorists are determined to find out what is going on behind Z-Town’s walls.

Crawford and Greenblad intend to use James as a human guinea pig to study human/zombie interactions firsthand. But their plans swiftly go awry when he falls for one of his classmates, Monica (Corianne Wilson). The arrival of humans also causes problems among the zombie population, as the local teacher, Mr. Olin (Bob Moore), tries to radicalize his pupils for an all-out war with the ‘breathers.’

The entire ensemble is exceptionally talented, and they would not be out of place on Broadway or the West End. Mott does an excellent job of portraying James’ metamorphosis from clueless teen to horrified victim, while Brick manages to make a shoddy parent like Crawford ultimately likeable. Matthew Huston (who plays a gay zombie named Zack) delivers his lines with consummate sassiness, but at the same time he keeps his portrayal from descending to the realm of crude stereotype. And Wilson’s charming performance as Monica makes a dead girl seem just like the girl next door.

The music makes the show a tour de force. Mucek’s lyrics range from the droll to the hilarious, while Rose’s score ensures that the songs remain embedded in your mind for weeks to come. They range from ensemble pieces (“Flesh-Eating Kind of Day,” “Never See Another Day”) to powerful solos (“Somethin’ Ain’t Right,” “Left Behind”), but they are all performed with skill and verve. If you liked the musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you will love these songs. Thankfully, fans will be able to listen to their favorite songs whenever they want since the official soundtrack is available on iTunes.

Beneath all the gags, the show has a serious message about tolerance and cooperation. But the creative team behind it is savvy enough to convey that message subtly, without beating the audience over the head with a bunch of preachy moralizing.

Love, Death, Brains will play at Madison’s Bartell Theater until August 4. Then it heads to New York City where it will play at the Fringe Festival on August 12, 14, 16, 17, and 18. Check out their Facebook page for more information.

Stay tuned for an exclusive backstage look at the show!

The article Night of the Singing Dead: Love, Death, Brains appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Some believe the centre of the world is wherever they are; others believe it is one among several ‘World Cities.’ The definition varies by location, by culture or personal interpretation. What is less ambiguous is the list of these major cities. No version of this list should omit London as one of the great capitals of this world.

It is arguably the most important Western city in history, or was, and it remains one of the top tourist destinations anywhere. Such large cities are considered to share many characteristics, good and bad, such as a greater focus of culture, higher crime, more pollution and greater diversity. London is a good exemplar of these and many other big-city traits.

There is the typical list of ‘pros and cons’: some of the best theatre in the world, heavy traffic, free museums and galleries, high living-costs, density of historical sites, the oldest — and it shows — underground railway systems in the world. There are some surprising contradictions as well.

Living expenses can be very high; rent in particular can be exclusive. On the other hand, groceries are often on sale, and some are regularly quite cheap. Alcohol is usually cheaper than in many other countries, which often leads to public altercations; taking the last train home can be an odious experience.

This national alcoholism is often debated, but remains undeniable; nonetheless, the level of creativity and contribution to the global pool is equally irrefutable. In many cases, the intoxicants might spur the creative contribution. It can be dangerous to walk the streets at night: many know someone who has been beaten for no discernible reason; knife crime is a problem; racial violence is reported on occasion.

Yet London is also far less intimidating than one might expect: it is possible to walk for over an hour at night and see very few other people. Some people are quite friendly; others, who appear threatening, are actually the most gentle and warm — and misunderstood — people one might encounter.

The city boasts a range of museums and galleries full of some of the most famous pieces in the world. Many charge no admission. Access to this culture is considerable, especially given the value of these collections to Western civilization.

In all too typical fashion, it is the arts that are always under attack from the government, whichever party is in power: London, and the entire country, produce more world-class art –whether art, music, film, literature – than almost every other country, and it has some of the most respected and productive schools; still, each government is quick to undermine these national resources by cutting funds.

This is not limited to these islands, of course. London is fiercely proud, and rightly so. It can make fun of itself, and realise its faults. It is exclusive but welcoming; dangerous in parts, safe in others. London can cost an arm for a concert, but smaller venues are often cheaper than a cinema ticket. Alcohol does not cost an arm, but might cost a liver.

The pubs vary from cozy to clubs: one can find an intimate atmosphere or lose one’s hearing with the music. London offers a great density and diversity of experiences; it is expensive, but worth a visit or a longer stay. The contradictions can be a fascinating diversion, and can inspire those who investigate the city.

Bon voyage!

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