Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody chronicles the life of the iconic artist, Whitney Houston (Naomi Ackie). The film follows her journey, depicting her initial encounter with music producer Clive Davis (Stanley Tucci), who facilitated her rise to stardom, and her relationship with Bobby Brown (Ashton Sanders), which marked a turning point in her life and career. Interspersed throughout are recreations of her most memorable performances, both live and in the studio.
Following the successes of biopics such as Bohemian Rhapsody about Queen’s frontman Freddy Mercury, and Rocket Man, the story of Elton John, Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody arrives amidst a landscape ripe for biographical storytelling. However, unlike its predecessors, which benefited from significant pre-release attention, this film garnered comparatively little buzz. In fact, its marketing led to initial confusion, with some viewers, including myself, mistaking it for a documentary due to the prominent use of Houston’s name in the title, a departure from the naming conventions of similar biopics. This approach may prove perplexing, as those unfamiliar with the artist behind the hit “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” are unlikely to be drawn to a biopic about her.
Naomi Ackie’s portrayal of Whitney Houston is exceptional. While not a perfect physical match, Ackie captures Houston’s essence so effectively that within moments of the film’s commencement, any discrepancies in appearance fade into insignificance. Similar to Joaquin Phoenix in Walk the Line, the overall feeling is authentic, even if the likeness is not exact. Ackie does not provide the singing voice; instead, the filmmakers utilize Houston’s original recordings for approximately 95% of the musical performances, with the remaining 5% achieved through audio manipulation.
Early on, Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody reveals a central flaw: a misdirection of focus. While the film meticulously recreates Houston’s iconic performances with remarkable accuracy, the dramatization of behind-the-scenes events often feels underdeveloped and lacking in dramatic tension. The film, clocking in at two hours and 24 minutes, attempts to condense a significant portion of Houston’s life into its runtime. Consequently, many crucial events lack the necessary depth and impact.
Cut: Houston suffers a miscarriage, cut: Houston is financially exploited, cut: Bobby Brown’s character is presented negatively, cut…
This rapid-fire succession of events results in a detached viewing experience. Despite witnessing tragic moments in Houston’s life, the audience remains emotionally distant due to the lack of sufficient build-up. Furthermore, these dramatic moments are frequently interrupted by lengthy recreations of musical performances, diverting attention from the narrative’s emotional core. This creates a jarring effect, making the film feel both protracted and rushed. A mini-series format might have been more suitable for encompassing the entirety of Houston’s life story. Effective biopics typically concentrate on a specific period, briefly outlining preceding and subsequent events. Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody lacks a cohesive narrative thread, overwhelming the audience with an excess of information.
The Blu-ray release features a consistent and sharp 1080p image with a high bit-rate. Color reproduction is excellent, particularly during the performance sequences, creating a near three-dimensional effect. While the audio is presented in DTS HD 5.1 rather than 7.1, it remains adequate, with the musical segments benefiting the most. A significant advantage is the inclusion of substantial bonus content, including several documentaries and deleted scenes.
In conclusion, Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody is ultimately a disappointing endeavor. It struggles to capture the essence of a life as vibrant and extraordinary as Whitney Houston’s, failing to convey even a fraction of her story’s depth and complexity. However, the quality of the Blu-ray release and the opportunity to revisit Houston’s performances elevate the overall score, making it a worthwhile experience for dedicated fans.
SF Studios provided review copies for this assessment. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence; our reviews are conducted with the reader’s perspective as the paramount concern.
