Whitney Houston dazzles critics in "Sparkle" film preview
Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston in 2012's "Sparkle"
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Alicia Gbur/Sony
(CBS/AP) Critics and theater owners got a sneak peek of Whitney Houston's final film, "Sparkle," Wednesday night at the CinemaCon conference in Las Vegas. And they say they liked what they saw.
Houston served as executive producer of the movie, which had already finished filming in Detroit when she died in Beverly Hills on Feb. 11 at age 48.
A brief preview featured Houston's trademark dazzling smile as she danced in a living room in celebration.
The remake of the 1976 movie stars Houston as the mother of three girls who form a singing group and struggle with fame and drug addiction. The movie, scheduled for release in August, was seen as a comeback vehicle for the superstar, whose career suffered in recent years as she battled with drug and alcohol abuse.
The preview footage largely focused on Jordin Sparks, who was seen playing a piano in a modest home, glasses dangling from her nose. In later scenes, she appeared glammed up in sparkling, curve-hugging gowns. It's the "American Idol" winner's first notable Hollywood role.
Cee Lo Green also sings in the movie.
Houston labored for 12 years to get "Sparkle" on the big screen. The film marked her first return to cinema since 1996's "The Preacher's Wife." Her Hollywood debut came 20 years ago in the blockbuster movie "The Bodyguard."
There's already some Oscar buzz building, with Access Hollywood movie critic Scott Mantz suggesting, "I'm calling this now: Whitney Houston will get nominated for Best Supporting Actress for 'Sparkle.'"
An autopsy showed Houston accidentally drowned in a hotel room bathtub on the eve of the Grammy Awards. Heart disease and cocaine use were contributing factors.
Uggghhhh...
@ Rider1956- No one is projecting a wholesome image.... The truth she is human and had personal struggles the root of which is completely unknown to us and perhaps her. Whitney Houston changed entertainment. No one has ever conquered all formats of entertainment. She gave a great deal of herself and as is the American way we want to downplay the womans EPIC career to focus on her struggles??? You have ups and downs as do I.....give her a break. Parents are responsible for guiding their own children not Whitney. A legacy of mistakes? It appears that you are one who focuses on finding fault in others. Whitney Houston died tragically BUT before that she took over the world on several occaisions and for that she will always remain an ICON. At least thats something no one take from her. Please let her RIP as the class act she was.
Whitney you gave it your all and you will always be loved and remembered by your fans and peers who recognize you as the human being you are not the media projected monster that Americans are quick to character assasinate because most are like lambs to the slaughter. Yet they forget how they made you uncomfortable with yourself with there badgering "Are you gay? Shes not black enough! Whitney is for White people! She cant dance! In Living Colors "Whitney's rythmless nation.... and on and on!!!" As an addict Whitney I know how the pain of being uncomfortable with self can manifest. Constantly being portrayed as a monster to sell a magazine. We just have to pray that one day Whitney America will be able to acknowledge and accept any responsibility that we had on cracking your sense of self. Your legend is one of record and sets the par for a vocalist that will never be. Theres only one Whitney Houston and may she now rest in peace... We love you Nippy.
I still amazes though at how we have to pretend to be okay by projecting a wholesome image where as the truth is frightening and it eventually overcomes us.
Whitney is enoying heaven with her savior, but the next generation has to take a bold stand against her legacy of mistakes. I pray that they have the strength.
I enjoyed this week's Dancing with the Stars, "The story of the young lady who was adopted. The Macy's Stars of Dance." I think by far the best show yet. After the thing with Brandy and you know who. No, I don't want to repeat her name....Judging then wasn't fair. Just voicing my opinion. Thanks...
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(CBS/AP) Critics and theater owners got a sneak peek of Whitney Houston's final film, "Sparkle," Wednesday night at the CinemaCon conference in Las Vegas. And they say they liked what they saw.
@ Rider1956- No one is projecting a wholesome image.... The truth she is human and had personal struggles the root of which is completely unknown to us and perhaps her. Whitney Houston changed entertainment. No one has ever conquered all formats of entertainment. She gave a great deal of herself and as is the American way we want to downplay the womans EPIC career to focus on her struggles??? You have ups and downs as do I.....give her a break. Parents are responsible for guiding their own children not Whitney. A legacy of mistakes? It appears that you are one who focuses on finding fault in others. Whitney Houston died tragically BUT before that she took over the world on several occaisions and for that she will always remain an ICON. At least thats something no one take from her. Please let her RIP as the class act she was.
@mountainstates- Agreed.....the greatest singer EVER.
Whitney you gave it your all and you will always be loved and remembered by your fans and peers who recognize you as the human being you are not the media projected monster that Americans are quick to character assasinate because most are like lambs to the slaughter. Yet they forget how they made you uncomfortable with yourself with there badgering "Are you gay? Shes not black enough! Whitney is for White people! She cant dance! In Living Colors "Whitney's rythmless nation.... and on and on!!!" As an addict Whitney I know how the pain of being uncomfortable with self can manifest. Constantly being portrayed as a monster to sell a magazine. We just have to pray that one day Whitney America will be able to acknowledge and accept any responsibility that we had on cracking your sense of self. Your legend is one of record and sets the par for a vocalist that will never be. Theres only one Whitney Houston and may she now rest in peace... We love you Nippy.
I still amazes though at how we have to pretend to be okay by projecting a wholesome image where as the truth is frightening and it eventually overcomes us.
Whitney is enoying heaven with her savior, but the next generation has to take a bold stand against her legacy of mistakes. I pray that they have the strength.