“Sparkle” Shines a positive light on Detroit and the legacy of Whitney Houston

By  Karen Dinkins/Tell US USA Networks’ Entertainment Editor

DETROIT (Tell Us USA) - Fans of the original movie “Sparkle” have been waiting 10 years for Superstar Whitney Houston to bring the remake to the big screen.

Now that Houston’s dream is realized fans of the original will be surprised when they see Sony’s 2012 version. “Sparkle” which stars Houston, Jordin Sparks, Derek Luke, Mike Epps and Carmen Egojo is the same story but it’s executed in a different way.

The main story line about 3 talented sisters trying to make it in the music industry in the 60’s is the same. But the challenges the young women face are not and the methods of coping with those obstacles fall on the shoulders of different characters, which slightly changes the plot. The original “Sparkle” starts out innocent but becomes more dramatic, and then tragic which made it authentic.

In the new version of “Sparkle” the sister’s characters are more defined and you can see the depths of their relationship with their mother (Houston) who has a bigger role. What’s really beautiful is that we get to see the final performance of “Houston” before she passed. She was truly on the comeback trail with her singing and acting and it’s evidenced in some powerful scenes she had with the 3 daughters.

“Sparkle” (2012) definitely shines the spotlight on Detroit’s brightest and best! You’ll see Motown singer Kem, local choirs and hundreds of Detroit extras. This version will go down in history because it features Whitney Houston’s final performance and Jordin Spark’s immense talent and beauty.

I give “Sparkle” (2012) 5 out of 5 stars! Click on the link below and check out my Video Review. I talked exclusively with “The Queen of Soul” and got her reaction to the movie. You’ll also hear from Jordin Sparks about the difference between the two versions and you’ll see what fans and extra’s who’ve seen the movie think about it.