"SPARKLE"

So here we have it finally. The follow up to 2002's lovely "Lawless Heart", by writer/director duo, Neil Hunter (Essex) and Tom Hunsinger (American). Can "Sparkle" out shine that previous little gem?

There is no reason why it shouldn't.

It has been in development for almost five years. And it has a stirring cast in love leads Amanda Ryan and Shaun Evans, along with a band of more familiar names, from Bob Hoskins and Leslie Manville to Stockard Channing.

The twist is that the second woman, Ryan, is Channing's somewhat estranged daughter. Now that is a scenario that just about anyone should be able to make into a riveting conflict and box office dynamite.

The question is whether audiences will be sufficiently stirred by the gentle - dare one say 'British' - way this unusual set up is handled in "Sparkle".

Undoubtedly those who like a soothing take on familial relationships leading to happy endings will be enthralled.

Cinema-goers looking for a more audacious approach to the material are likely to be left writing their own, more adventurous scripts in their heads.