Pop stars try the movies

The coming-of-age-pop-star-musical vehicle is a tricky genre. When the film is good, you can count on a healthy surge in soundtrack sales. When the film is bad, it's very bad -- mention "Glitter" to just about anyone, and they will shudder. Violently.

Let's take a look back, from the horrific to the sublime:

"CROSSROADS" (2002)

Pop star: Britney Spears

Concept: Pre-adolescent fans will flock to see their role model in a movie that includes themes about date rape, miscarriage, losing your virginity, and your mother rejecting you.

Rating: Negative 2 gold records

"FROM JUSTIN TO KELLY" (2003)

Pop stars: Justin Guarini and Kelly Clarkson

Concept: This is how Entertainment Weekly critic Owen Gleiberman described it: "Set in Miami during spring break, it's like 'Grease: The Next Generation,' acted out by the food-court staff at SeaWorld."

Rating: 0 gold records

"GLITTER" (2001)

Pop star: Mariah Carey

Concept: Carey reportedly first planned to make this as an opera. She stars as an '80s overnight sensation with mommy issues.

Rating: 1 gold record

"8 MILE" (2008)

Pop star: Eminem

Concept: A white rapper struggles to earn respect from his black peers in Detroit. Autobiographical much?

Rating: 3 gold records

"PURPLE RAIN" (1984)

Pop star: Prince

Concept: A musician known as "the Kid" tries to overcome an abusive background and romance Apollonia, all in high heels.

Rating: 3 gold records

Source: Paige Wiser; pwiser@suntimes.com

Color Photo: Would Mariah Carey's "Glitter" have worked better as an opera? ; Color Photo: Date rape, a miscarriage and a mother's rejection crossed up "Crossroads." Color Photo: Justin and Kelly's acting was compared to a food-court staff. ;