A dim Sparkle

The deceptively titled Sparkle, about a scheming boy caught in a incestuous love triangle, does anything but.

Although not particularly gay in theme (despite its directors and a pair of effeminate uncles) Sparkle has ingredients for a promising British film – a strong, reputable cast and ‘kitchen sink’-dramatic elements, but overall the script lets it down, and the film falls flat.

Sparkle tells the story of Liverpudlian Sam, an hot-blooded 22-year-old heterosexual who jets off to London only to be followed by his protective, karaoke singing mother "Sparkle".

While waitering he draws the attention of high powered PR bitch Sheila– played by the charming, yet type-cast Stockard Channing . Sheila is essentially Grease’s Rizzo, 30 years older with second rate plastic surgery. Hmm, perhaps this is where the gay appeal lies.

After a few tepid jabs over a spliff, the older woman and the horny boy are back her fabulous flat and shagging. The sex chemistry seems fair enough, but a montage of cuddling and romance plays out unconvincingly.

The predictably needy Sheila replaces her sobbing assistant with the new boy toy, while young Sam enjoys the fruits of his new Sugar Momma. With too much ease and with no credentials Sam slips into the demanding role, while nailing the boss at night.

The affair is interrupted when Kate, a young attractive student who enjoys smoking pot and going to environmental rallies, shows up as mysterious guest at Sheila’s house party. Kate flirts with the distracted Sam – who coincidently has even less chemistry with her – and without blinking an eye, Sam starts shagging her too. And of course, they “fall in love”. Yawn.

And the nasty twist of fate: Kate and Sheila are mother and daughter.

At which point everyone’s morals are questioned, incredulous drama ensues, and the movie changes tone and becomes overly worthy. And in order to be worthy, the characters have to have depth - which they sadly don't.

The character of Kate could possibly be the most irritating aspect of this film – and unfortunately for the audience, she is the central character, introduced far too late in the story to make you care.

Despite all of its flaws, Sparkle does have some redeeming qualities in the form of Lesley Manville and Bob Hoskins, respectively playing Sam’s slightly mad, but sweet mother Jill and her earnest, peculiar admirer Vince.

Jill genuinely sings Culture Club covers in scabby bars, dreaming of stardom – while Vince, a charming loner desperately seeks her affection. But the pair are simply side-story to the tiresome mess of Sheila, Kate, and Sam – and are wrongly undermined as comic relief.

Despite good performances by the supporting cast, the main characters are mostly unlikeable, and the end lacks emotional impact. The potential was there, the substance was not.

London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival
March 21 - April 4 2007
BFI Southbank
Belvedere Road
South Bank
London
SE1 8XT
Tel: 020 7928 3232

For screening information on Sparkle, click below