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.

The article ‘Sparkle’: A Watered Down Version of ‘Dreamgirls’ appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Kelly Rowland and Diggy Simmons will be joining the BET family. According to online sources, Rowland, a former member of the multi-platinum selling girl group Destiny’s Child, has been selected to star in a comedy pilot titled, “What Would Dylan Do?” Rowland’s character, Dylan, is a relationship blogger who lives with a group of friends in Los Angeles.

This will be Rowland’s first leading role in an original series; however, it is not the entertainer’s first time acting. Her television and film credits include ‘The Hughley’s,’ ‘Girlfriends,’ ‘The Game,’ ‘Freddie vs. Jason’ and ‘The Seat Filler.’ Rounding out the cast are Gabrielle Dennis (Cherise), Melanie Liburd (Brooke) and Brandon Scott (Ryan).

Warren Hutcherson will serve as executive producer for “Dylan”. He is an accomplished scriptwriter (“Saturday Night Live” and “Living Single”) and producer (“The Parenthood,” “Moesha,” “The Bernie Mac Show,” “Just Jordan” and “Everybody Hates Chris”). Julian Breece of BET’s online series, Buppies, will write and co-executive produce the show.

Diggy Simmons will star in a yet-to-be-titled project helmed by husband/wife duo Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil. Deadline reports that the two-hour pilot will be “a fresh and edgy look at Diggy, his life as a blogger, and the close group of loyal friends who hold him down on his rise to the top.” Simmons will play the lead, Blake, and will be joined by Allan Maldonado (Manny), Teyana Taylor (Tae), Chris Brew (Dot), Bria Murphy (Nia) and Stephanie Charles (Sheri).

Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil will executive produce the pilot, while Salim will also take on the role of director. The twosome has a long and successful history in the television and film industry. Akil began working on the successful Showtime series ”Soulfood” as a writer and worked his way up to Executive Producer. He has also written and produced independent films as well as feature films, such as ‘Sparkle’ starring Whitney Houston and Jordin Sparks, which he also directed.

Brock Akil was a writer for “Moesha,” starring Brandy, for four seasons before taking on duties as supervising producer and writer on The Jamie Foxx Show in 1999. She went on to create and executive produce, alongside Kelsey Grammer, the hit series “Girlfriends” in 2000. ”The Game,” a spinoff of “Girlfriends,” was also created and executive produced by Brock Akil.

BET networks, who has long been criticized for displaying ‘shallow content’, has steeped its game up in recent years. Many feel that the transformation began when the network picked up “The Game,” which had been cancelled by UPN. Whatever the case may be, the network is showing no signs of deterring from the new direction.

“Dylan” and the Diggy Simmons project have the potential to join a line-up that includes “The Game” starring Hosea Chanchez, “Reed Between the Lines” starring Malcolm-Jamal Warner, and the “Real Husbands of Hollywood” starring Kevin Hart.

Image Courtesy of  Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

The article Kelly Rowland, Diggy Simmons: Coming to TV Screens Near You appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Dallas, U.S.A. – World leaders, dignitaries and celebrities from around the world gathered in vibrant Arts District near downtown Dallas Friday to attend an historic event honoring global humanitarian and faith-based entertainment mogul Bishop T.D. Jakes’ 35 years of spiritual leadership and service.

Aptly titled “A Triumphant Journey,” the three-hour, black-tie celebration was hosted by director/writer/producer Tyler Perry and CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien at the state-of-the-art AT&T Winspear Opera House. The awe-inspiring evening was a surprise for Bishop Jakes and featured an unexpected appearance by entertainment icon Oprah Winfrey who congratulated him for being a “man of conviction and beacon of light.”

Successfully accomplishing the near impossible, wife Serita Jakes and daughter Sarah Henson enlisted the help of family, friends and staff to keep the night’s biggest moments under wraps from the notably inquisitive Bishop. Jakes, senior pastor of the 30,000 member Dallas-based church The Potter’s House, was celebrated for a career spanning more than three decades. A true man of God, his accomplishments in ministry and entertainment, as well as his dedication to humanity and family, were applauded in front of a packed audience of family, friends, parishioners, dignitaries, celebrities and fans.

A visibly moved Jakes expressed his shock at the crowd of well-wishers, some of whom traveled far and wide to participate in the celebration and took the stage to receive a resounding standing ovation.

“I have been blown away,” said Jakes. “I love God and I’ve always loved people. Your presence here tonight says you love me back. It’s hard to overwhelm me, but you’ve done it this time!”

The night included a kaleidoscope of musical performances ranging from gospel and jazz to R&B, featuring Jordin Sparks , Ledisi, BeBe Winans , Pastor Shirley Caesar , Fred Hammond , Israel Houghton and Karen Clark Sheard . Gospel duo Mary Mary brought the crowd to its feet with their stirring rendition of “Yesterday,” and pianist Keiko Matsui flew in from Japan to perform with KEM, Kelly Price and Kirk Whalum . R&B diva Chaka Khan serenaded Bishop Jakes with a medley of her greatest hits.

In addition, film stars Loretta Devine , Mike Epps , Derek Luke , Kimberly Elise , Meagan Good andCharles S. Dutton , as well as Christian leaders Dr. Bernice King , Pastor Paula White , Pastor Bill Hybels and Pastor Sam Rodriguez paid homage to Bishop Jakes for inspiring so many. Other notable guests on hand to celebrate Bishop Jakes’ 35th anniversary include Angela Bassett , Courtney B. Vance , Gayle King , Glynn Turman , producer Debra Martin Chase , Sony Pictures executiveDeVon Franklin and Emmitt and Pat Smith.

The Dallas Black Dance Theater praised Bishop Jakes’ milestone anniversary with a stirring performance, and luminaries such as philanthropist and former U.S. President Bill Clinton , Dr. Phil McGraw , the Mandela family, cast members of the upcoming film ”Sparkle,” and others delivered moving video presentations.

“My husband has committed his life to empowering others that they might have joy, love and hope in their lives. The event was an opportunity to salute him for the millions of lives he’s touched, the hearts he’s changed and the lives he’s saved through his stirring messages,” said Serita Jakes. “It was a blessing to honor him for 35 years of unwavering service.”

Image Courtesy of  T.D. Jakes

The article Bishop T.D. Jakes Honored by Tyler Perry and Other Stars appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.