In my interview with Whitney Houston last fall, she spoke much of the themes of motherhood in her forthcoming remake of the 1976 film "Sparkle." In the first look at the film in the newly released trailer, it seems to feature a lot of that, and what it is to be a teenager and a rising star.

The film clip debuted this morning, featuring its namesake played by Jordin Sparks, plus other top cast like Mike Epps, Carmen Ejogo, Tike Sumpter, Derek Luke and -- yup! -- Cee Lo Green. Houston appears as the Williams sisters' sassy mom, who considers her past as a rising star that never reached her potential.

The film promises to integrate music from the Motown era, plus new compositions from R. Kelly with input from executive producer Whitney Houston herself. The trailer doesn't indicate yet what the late singer's big number in the film will look like, but with all that talent, it's not a question "what" song, but just how many.

Sparkle will be out in theaters on Aug. 17. Check back in to HitFix.com on Wednesday, as I report on what I saw of the film during my set visit to Detroit last November, plus a Q&A with "American Idol" winner and "Sparkle" star Jordin Sparks.

Whitney Houston was able to finish her acting scenes in "Sparkle" by time she passed away at the age of 48, on the eve of the Grammys on Feb. 11 this year.

What do you think of the trailer? Are you excited, sad, or both?