The Independent Critic - "Glitter" Review

STARRING

Mariah Carey, Terrence Howard, Ann Magnuson, Dorian Harewood

DIRECTOR

Vondie Curtis-Hall

SCREENPLAY

Kate Lanier

MPAA RATING

PG-13

RUNNING TIME

114 Mins.

DISTRIBUTED BY

20th Century Fox

"Glitter" Review

After the year that Terrence Howard has had onscreen you find yourself wondering how it took him so long to make a name for himself. I know I've been wondering all year. I mean, yes, I know he's supposedly hard to work with and has quite the attitude. Yet, he's a damn good actor. It's obvious. How could Hollywood not catch on?

The answer my friends is...

Glitter.

This is an example of the kind of garbage he was making on the way up, and it doesn't get much worse than "Glitter," Mariah Carey's "breakdown" film.

No, silly, I didn't say "break out."

No, No, I didn't say "breakdance."

I said "break down." Remember, Mariah goes nutzoid, starts flashing, starts acting giddy, gets stupid for all the world to see...THAT break down. Then, her film bombs, her recording contract is canceled and, well, she's still richer than you or I will ever be.

Of course, the good news is (Or is it good news?) that Mariah has bounced back and "Glitter" is but a distant but painful memory.

"Glitter" is a semi-autobiographical film for Carey (minus the breakdown) in which the young wannabe is determined to become a star, dates a dj, gets a break, yadda yadda yadda.

Carey's performance here is nothing less than pathetic, the script is remarkably basic and lifeless. Of course, I'd take this DJ over the vision that still haunts me of Carey banging Tommy Mottola. It still nauseates me to think about it.

The film features a variety of sub-par supporting performances from Da Brat, Ann Magnuson, Dorian Harewood, Eric Benet and the aforementioned Howard.

Carey won the Razzie Award for Worst Actress here, and the film captured several other nominations including Worst Picture, Worst Screenplay, Worst Couple (Carey's cleavage), and Worst Supporting Actor (Max Beesley). The film was included as a nominee in the Razzie Awards' 25th anniversary celebration as one of the Worst Musicals in the past 25 years. Even the soundtrack itself failed miserably and provided literally no spark at radio stations nationwide.

In this case, all that glitters is NOT gold.