Whitney Houston fans have one last chance to see the late superstar in her silver screen curtain call, as Sparkle, her final film, was released Aug. 17.
Eight days after what would have been the queen of the love ballad’s 49th birthday, the 2012 remake of the 36 year-old film, premiered in North American theaters.
In the movie Houston takes on the role of a strict Detroit mother in the story of three sisters who make it to the top as a group like the Supremes, only to hit rock bottom in a tale of fame, glory, and the pitfalls that come with success.
Cast members were devastated by the reports of Houston’s death in the Beverly Hilton Hotel that plastered news outlets six months ago, just hours before she was to attend the Grammy Awards ceremony.
“I couldn’t move. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t say anything. I was in complete shock, and somebody had to sit me down before I fell over,” American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, one of the stars of the movie, told ABC News. “I just lost it. I lost it completely.”
The original version of Sparkle was released in 1976 and cast Irene Cara in the title spot now played by Sparks, and Lonette McKee as Sister, the character who slowly takes a downward spiral.
The new movie was produced in part by T.D. Jakes and by Houston’s friend and producer, Debra Martin Chase.
Salim Akil directed the film which also features Derek Luke, who made his acting debut in Antwone Fisher, singer and songwriter CeeLo Green, and Mike Epps.
