Sparkle, the remake of the 1976 music drama, debuted in fifth place at the box office with a total of $12 million in ticket sales.

The movie features the last screen performance from the late Whitney Houston, who died on February 11 after drowning in a Beverly Hills hotel bathtub. (The coroner cited atherosclerotic heart disease and cocaine as contributing factors).   

Aside from Houston, who was a main draw for the film, Sparkle’s cast includes American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, veteran actor Derek Luke, comedian Mike Epps, and The Voice’s platinum singer-songwriter CeeLo Green.

SEE ALSO: Watch Jordin Sparks “Celebrate” Whitney In New Video

Despite what appears to be low numbers for the T.D. Jakes-produced film, in its first weekend Sparkle has nearly earned back the $14 million it costs to produce.

The Expendables 2, Sylvester Stallone’s action hero-packed sequel, punched its way up to No. 1 with $28.7 million. Last week’s winner, The Bourne Legacy, dropped to No. 2 with $17.02 million.

Meanwhile, the 3-D stop-motion children’s film ParaNorman brought in $14 million. And coming in at No. 4 was the Will Ferrell and Zack Galifinakis’ political comedy The Campaign, ringing up $13.4 million.

—Keith Murphy, CBS Local