Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody [2022] – Naomi Ackie, Stanley Tucci

I Wanna Dance with Somebody is not perfect, but it’s one of the best musical biographies I’ve seen. Whitney Houston would be proud to watch it.

Starring Naomi Ackie & Stanley Tucci as Whitney Houston and her manager Clive Davis, the movie dives deep into the star’s music, as well as personal life. Known best for “I Will Always Love You”, the singer had a tumulus life that ended with a drug influenced death.

So, why is everyone hating it? No idea to be honest. Naomi Ackie does an outstanding job as Houston. I know I learned a few things watching the movie and I consider myself as someone knowledgeable about the singer’s life. I just didn’t know how her personal life affected her choice of songs. Some songs, and performances, will have a whole different meaning for fans after watching the movie.

All things considered, it’s a great movie that charts the rise and fall of the best voice in her generation. If I had to critique something, it would be something very minimal. For obvious reasons, the movie minimizes the singer’s decline and drug problems. It might not be obvious for some viewers how serious it was, and this movie does a decent job highlighting it, but it also minimizes it. I would have loved a more roudned portrait of Whitney Houston’s powerful persona, music, and her struggles. Hiding a big part of someone’s life diminishes their struggle.

Should you watch it?

Ignore the “critics” and do yourself a favor and watch this biopic. One of the best in the last decade. The movie honors Houston’s legacy while not hiding her flaws. And the music!

Where can I watch it?

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody is now playing in theaters.