Biopics are a big staple in today’s generation. Just this year, we had the gripping tale of Elvis. Now it’s Whitney Houston’s turn in I Wanna Dance With Somebody. Directed by Kasi Lemmons, we follow the journey of the mega-superstar. With a voice touching hearts and souls like mine, this film pays homage to Whitney while simultaneously gifting her fans a shortened view into the pop star’s life.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody sways through Whitney’s beginnings and her rise to fame
The film begins with Whitney Houston’s humble beginnings in her church choir in Newark, NJ. With soul and gospel singer Cissy Houston (played by Tamar Tunie) as her mother and Dionne Warwick as her cousin, Whitney felt pressure from a young age to amount to something. Then, scenes dance through Whitney blossoming into the recording artist we know today. There’s her big break with “Saving All My Love For You” then her jump to stardom with “How Will I Know,” “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and “I Will Always Love You.” We even get her unforgettable “Star Spangled Banner” performance.
At first glance, we see the developing secret romantic relationship between Whitney’s best friend and later creative director, Robyn Crawford (played by Nafessa Williams). Their relationship was always mentioned in the public eye, but Robyn finally confirmed it in her 2019 memoir A Song For You: My Life with Whitney Houston. The heartbreak of their romance ends as Whitney feels inner turmoil with herself, believing from her religious upbringing and father that it is sinful.
Her relationships with both her caring but tough-loving mother, and supportive record producer Clive Davis (played by Stanley Tucci) are ones to look out for. Tucci does what he does best, a soft approach to this real life person.
The film gives us a glimpse into her addiction to drugs, her tumultuous marriage with Bobby Brown, and her own insecurity on who she is. It works as a balancing act as we see the great joy of the star’s music and career muddled with her own personal and external demons.
Naomi Ackie triumphs bringing the essence of Whitney
Naomi Ackie at first glance looks nothing like Whitney, and she knows this, sharing her hesitancy playing the role with the Associated Press. However, the minute she steps on screen with the curly short hair, endless wigs, and ’80s wardrobe, it’s not Ackie there but the voice of a generation. Ackie’s mannerisms are spot on, from her flowing hands that seem to help direct her own voice with delicate fingertips to her lips and eyes as she belts every note.
I learned that Whitney is more than the beautiful voice that I knew. She was fiery, extremely stubborn, and stood her ground. But, she also struggled a lot and faltered. Some of Ackie’s memorable scenes include her young and bright-eyed meeting with best friend and past lover Robyn, her angry and unwavering callout to the radio host who questions if “she’s black enough,” and of course all of her performances, (specifically her 1994 American Music Awards’ medley).
We’re reminded the soulful musical power of Whitney
The brightest parts of the movie are, of course, when we see Whitney Houston perform. While most of the big numbers are Whitney’s vocals remixed, Ackie does sing partial moments in the film. RadioTimes.com reports, Ackie sang full out during filming, to make it look real.
From the colorful ensemble in “How Will I Know” to the clips of her jumping from recording in the studio to discovering a new song with Clive Davis, the movie proves the value and power of her music.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody serves as a tribute, not a documentary
All in all this is a tribute to Whitney Houston and the voice and star power she possessed. This film is not a direct and exact recollecting of her life, but rather of series of moments that illustrate the woman and performer she was. With Bohemian Rhapsody writer Anthony McCarten leading the screenplay, this movie had to end on a beautiful note. Like the Live Aid sequence in the Queen film, I Wanna Dance with Somebody ends with Whitney’s 1994 AMA’s performance. We start from that fateful day in February 2012 when the star later passed away and flash back to that 1994 medley of “I Love You Porgy/ And I Am Telling You/ I Have Nothing.” Whitney was the voice of a generation, and this long sequence proves it. The vocals transcend, reminding us all of the legacy of the star.
Whitney Houston will continue to receive praise and love as generations continue on, and I Wanna Dance With Somebody is a special message. Although she is no longer with us, Whitney Houston will stay on our radios, and in our hearts, forever.
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