Introduction: The Formulaic Music Biopic
Hollywood has a penchant for producing formulaic music biopics, telling the life stories of legendary stars in a conventional, cookie-cutter fashion. While some films attempt to break free from this mold, there are those that faithfully follow the blueprint, cramming every aspect of a star’s life into a single movie. Kasi Lemmons’ “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” a biopic about the iconic Whitney Houston, falls mostly into the latter category, adhering closely to the well-known formula.
A Humanizing Portrait of Whitney Houston
Despite the formulaic approach, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” manages to portray Whitney Houston’s life in a humane and compelling manner. The film takes the audience on a journey from her strict church upbringing to the pinnacle of superstardom. Through the lens of her early struggles to find herself, her relationships with close confidants like Robyn Crawford, her mother Cissy, and music industry figure Clive Davis, and her role as “America’s Princess,” the film paints a comprehensive picture of the enigmatic star’s life.
The Power of Naomi Ackie’s Performance
The heart and soul of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” lies in Naomi Ackie’s portrayal of Whitney Houston. Ackie delivers a commanding performance, immersing herself in Houston’s mannerisms and magnetism. The Star Wars actor’s portrayal of Houston’s famous ‘impossible medley’ at the American Music Awards is a standout moment, reminding audiences of Houston’s unparalleled vocal prowess and earning Ackie much-deserved acclaim. With faithful recreations of Houston’s iconic music videos and her unforgettable Super Bowl performance, Ackie’s textured and epic performance is the film’s shining star.
The Struggle to Balance Complexity
Despite Ackie’s powerful portrayal, the film grapples with its extensive 146-minute runtime, attempting to encompass every aspect of Whitney Houston’s life. In doing so, the script by Anthony McCarten, who also penned “Bohemian Rhapsody,” struggles to delve deeply into the emotional complexities and nuances of pivotal moments. The rush from one scene to another creates tonal whiplash, leaving some key aspects of Houston’s journey underexplored.
A Definitive Tribute with Room for Improvement
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” had the potential to be a definitive tribute to Whitney Houston’s unparalleled career. However, the film’s surface-level execution falls short of fully capturing the emotional depth of her experiences. Nevertheless, Naomi Ackie’s stellar performance and her ability to embody Houston’s soulful energy leave a lasting impact on viewers.
Conclusion: A Riveting Tribute with a Standout Performance
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” pays tribute to the trailblazing journey of Whitney Houston, showcasing her rise to superstardom and the tragic end to her life. While the film may adhere to the formulaic biopic structure, Naomi Ackie’s portrayal of Houston’s charisma and vocal brilliance adds an unmatched dimension to the story. Despite its flaws, the film serves as a riveting tribute to one of the greatest voices in music history. As the lights go down, it is Ackie’s performance that resonates long after the credits roll.
