Glitter

Vocalist Billie Frank (US popstress Carey in her screen debut) is separated as a child from an addict mother with whom she sang in honky tonks. Years later, her high-octave talents are discovered on New York's early-'80s club scene by maverick DJ Dice (Beesley), who becomes Billie's manager and lover. Several tiffs and much schmaltz later, she's set to sell out Madison Square Garden - despite the (puzzling) fact that she's still able to roam Manhattan without being recognised. This fails to convince on several levels: Carey's assumed edginess; Beesley's faltering Brooklyn accent; turns from such celebs as rapper Da Brat and soul vocalist Eric Benet; the half-hearted '80s references and the haphazard retro effects.