Sparkle Trailer

The world was saddened but not particularly shocked by the death of Whitney Houston recently. After all, she’d been battling drug abuse for the longest time. It was just a matter of time. While Houston never quite got back on track with her singing career, she did manage to make one last creative mark in the world before she departed. As an actress. “Sparkle” saw her complete all her scenes in a supporting role and though the film’s release may now seem like a shameless cash-in, the producers have been careful to treat the whole issue with sensitivity and taste. As it stands, you won’t find Houston’s presence brought front and centre in this trailer. This isn’t her story anyway. Still, it’d be near impossible for this film not to be overshadowed by the morbid curiosity audiences will no doubt find in witnessing the pop great’s final appearance on the big screen, singing her heart out no less.

Here’s the official synopsis: “Sparkle tells the story of the title character; Sparkle, (Jordin Sparks) the youngest of three sisters and a music prodigy who struggles to becomes a star while overcoming issues that are tearing her family apart. Sparkle is from an affluent Detroit area, naive to the unexpected experiences her new life will bring as she and her two sisters blossom into a dynamic singing group during the Motown-era. Whitney Houston plays the trio’s mother (Emma). Mike Epps plays a wealthy comedian named Satin, who woos Sparkle’s sister into a drug-filled abusive relationship on their way to the top. During her journey, Sparkle endures the trials and tribulations of fame but fights to rise through the ranks of the music business. “Sparkle” is set in the late 1960s when Detroit was the music mecca of America.”

“Sparkle” premieres 17th August in the US. No word on a local release date yet.