Naomi Ackie’s portrayal of Whitney Houston in I Wanna Dance With Somebody is undeniably the film’s strongest asset. From the moment she appears on screen, Ackie embodies the iconic singer with a captivating energy, making it easy to get lost in her performance. She truly becomes Whitney, handling the complexities of the role with grace and power. Of course, a Whitney Houston biopic promises a stellar soundtrack, and this film certainly delivers on that front. The music is fantastic, a vibrant reminder of Houston’s unparalleled vocal talent.
However, beyond Ackie’s mesmerizing performance and the unforgettable music, I Wanna Dance With Somebody unfortunately stumbles in its storytelling. Biopics, especially musical ones, face the challenge of balancing the artist’s personal life with their artistic achievements. This film leans too heavily into showcasing full musical performances. While hearing Whitney Houston’s incredible catalog is a treat, the film often prioritizes lengthy song sequences over delving deeper into the woman behind the voice. We are left wanting more substance beyond the spectacle.
When the film does touch upon Whitney Houston’s personal struggles – her tumultuous relationship with Bobby Brown, the complexities of her family dynamics, the intense media scrutiny, and her battles with substance abuse – it only scratches the surface. These critical aspects of her life feel glossed over, particularly her struggles with addiction and the relentless pressure from the press.
It’s understandable that the filmmakers might have wished to avoid dwelling too much on the darker chapters of Houston’s life. However, this reluctance to explore these difficult areas in more depth results in a film that lacks emotional depth and impact. The highs don’t feel as euphoric, and the lows lack the necessary gravity. This somewhat muted approach ultimately diminishes the overall power of the narrative.
Furthermore, I Wanna Dance With Somebody feels longer than it needs to be. Tightening the pacing and trimming at least ten minutes could have created a more focused and impactful film.
In a landscape saturated with musical biopics like Elvis, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Rocketman, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, while enjoyable, doesn’t quite reach the same heights. While boasting a phenomenal central performance from Naomi Ackie, an exceptional soundtrack, and moments of brilliance, the film ultimately feels somewhat restrained. It offers a glimpse into Whitney Houston’s world but stops short of providing a truly profound and emotionally resonant portrait.
