Though it loosely follows the story of The Supremes and charts a familiar course through family tension, talent rising and falling and how success can be fleeting, Motown drama Sparkle will be chiefly talked about as the late Whitney Houston’s final film. The trailer is now online and can be watched below.
Sparkle charts the rise to fame of Sparkle Williams (Jordin Sparks), a young woman for whom talent runs in the family. Her mother Emma (Houston) used to be a famous singer and while her career serves as more of a cautionary tale than a How To manual, Sparkle and her sisters Delores (Tika Sumpter) and Sister (Carmen Ejgogo) are determined to carve their own path. Particularly when they happen upon a couple of lucky breaks and Sparkle finds romance with manager Stix (Derek Luke).
Naturally, there are problems with egos and drugs along the way, and Sparkle is clearly looking to tap into the Dreamgirls vibe, so hopefully it’ll also offer a few new tweaks along the way. It does at least boast new music from Houston (who was also a producer), Cee-Lo Green (who also acts) and Sparks, along with songs written by R Kelly.
Sparkle is out on October 5. Just don't confuse it with Glitter.