Courtney of The Daily Rotation wrote, "If you are anticipating another Dreamgirls, then the Salim Akil directed film Sparkle may not quite live up to your expectations. There are several reasons for this, but mostly for that the plot is nowhere as emotionally invested as the 2006 hit. What Sparkle does have going for it is a variety of talent (seasoned and green alike), a surprisingly stimulating soundtrack, and a fairly no-nonsense attitude that isn’t afraid to pull the covers back a bit on issues of domestic abuse, racial stereotypes, and bitter familial relationships." (Cinema, Sparkle) 7/10