The old Sparkle took place in Harlem in 1958, this one in 1968. In her last and final film, Whitney Houston plays Emma a churchgoing mother of three daughters, who tirelessly objects to them perusing a career in the music business.
American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, who plays Sparkle, struggles to become a star while overcoming issues that are tearing her family apart. Her mother played by Houston, attempts to balance a new romance with music manager, Stix (Derek Luke) whilst dealing with the unexpected challenges as she and her two sisters (Carmen Ejogo and Tika Sumpter) struggle to become a Supremes-style girl group during the Motown-era.
Director: Salim Akil
Writers: Mara Brock Akil & Howard Rosenman
Cast: Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Mike Epps, Carmen Ejogo, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick, CeeLo Green
Sparkle opens on Friday nationwide.