| Wednesday 28 November 2001 |
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Glitter review from Singapore
"Glitter", which marks a dynamic feature debut for pop star Mariah Carey, is far from pure gold, but it is not all dross either. It's a standard show-biz saga, a variation on the tried-and-true "A Star Is Born" theme that plays well under Vondie Curtis Hall's direction until a couple of climactic moments draw unintended laughs. It regains its momentum for a contrived, tie-up-all-loose-ends payoff that only a diva could carry off. But Carey is a diva, no mistake about it, and it's a safe bet that a goodly share of Carey's legions of fans will love the heart-tugger finish. What's more, the film has a potent soundtrack, with a vital Terence Blanchard score and lots of new numbers written in part by its star, a strong element of its appeal.
The film opens with a blues lounge singer and eight-year-old daughter tearing up the small pub stage with an endearing duet. Not long after, however, this down and out single mother leaves her daughter at a local New York orphanage, never to return. Flash forward to 1983, the little girl, Billie Frank (Carey), dances and sings her way into fame with the assistance and resistance of producer Bo Duce (Beesley).
It's a love/fame story packaged in a mother daughter drama. Each of the three angles fight for the stage, not one finding enough screen time for full development. Additionally, aside from the initial separation with mom (which occurs in the first 10 minutes), Billie's "ride" isn't terribly bumpy, weakening the power of an underdeveloped climax. Actually, it's Beesley's character that enjoys the kind of complications we'd expect of the lead. Still, the film has star appeal - shining, even glittering at times with strong performances by all. Mariah's acting prowess won't earn her any Oscars, but she does a perfectly fine job with this role and her voice is simply amazing. Beesley's a little heavy-handed with the NY accent, but handles his Duce character respectably as well. Furthermore, his true musical talents, like Carey's, add to the sparkle of "Glitter". Similarly, Eric Benet performs marvelously in both modes: singer/actor.
Earlier on, interesting transitional special effects spice the picture, but unfortunately, disappear all together by mid-film. Older audiences might raise tired eyebrows at the love story clichés herein, but the target audience will no doubt weep along with the leads. In sum, though rickety in corners, Carey's amazing vocal talents melt away the awkward moments; I'd have given her much more stage time at the end. I think young girls and Mariah fans will love this picture. (Singnet Entertainment)
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