Sparkle: A Forthcoming Musical Film

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Sparkle - Film Trailer

Sparkle is an upcoming American musical film directed by Salim Akil and produced by Stage 6 Films, set for release on August 17th 2012 and released by TriStar Pictures. Inspired by The Supremes, Sparkle is a remake of the 1976 film of the same name, which centered on three singing teenage sisters from Harlem, who form a girl group in the late 1950’s. The remake takes place in Detroit, Michigan in the 1960’s, during the Motown era.

The film stars Jordin Sparks, Derek Luke, (The Late Great) Whitney Houston, Mike Epps, Cee Lo Green, Carmen Ejogo, Tika Sumpter, Tamela Mann and Omari Hardwick. Sparkle features songs from the original film, written by soul musician Curtis Mayfield as well as new compositions by R&B artist R.Kelly. This film will be the debut of R&B/pop singer and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks as an actress. Sparkle also marks Whitney Houston’s fifth and final feature role; she died on February 11th, 2012, three months after filming ended. The film will be dedicated to her memory.

Plot

Musical prodigy Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) struggles to become a star while overcoming issues that are tearing her family apart. From an affluent Detroit area and daughter to a single mother (Whitney Houston), she tries to balance a new romance with music manager, Stix (Derek Luke), while dealing with the unexpected challenges her new life will bring as she and her two sisters, Sister (Carmen Ejogo) and Dolores (Tika Sumpter) strive to become a dynamic singing group during the Motown-era.

In December 2011, Sony announced the United States release date for Sparkle would be set for August 10th 2012. For unknown reasons, the film release date would then be pushed back by a week, and will now be officially released to the US on August 17th, 2012.

Following the death of Whitney Houston in early February 2012, a lot of speculation around the film’s release date being pushed forward began, with a source reporting to Radoronline.com that the studio is actually considering pushing up the movie’s release date. They stated (and I quote) ‘Dates are being discussed, and it’s still early, but the reasoning is that Whitney’s fans will want to see her in this movie, in which she gives a remarkable performance’. The source also says that the movie could be released as soon as Memorial Day, stating ‘The studio bosses want the public to remember Whitney as a brilliant performer and stunning actress. The executives are going to be sensitive to her death, and will communicate with her family at an appropriate time. Following reports by Variety.com confirmed that the film’s release is set to stick with the original August 17th U.S. release date. Outside of the U.S., Sparkle is set to be opened in France on September 12th, in the United Kingdom, Spain and Ireland on October 5, in New Zealand on October 25th and in Germany on October 11th. Releases in other countries are set to begin on various dates between October and early December 2012.
Roger Howard.