I Wanna Dance With Somebody – REVIEW

From the writer of the worldwide hit Bohemian Rhapsody comes the story of Whitney Houston, the iconic and much adored American black singer who was the top-selling female artist of all time.

The movie follows her climb to the top of the charts, from gospel singer to a promising new star whose music was regarded as “not black enough” and ultimately to the world famous powerhouse artist. A record executive who became pivotal in her life stated, “I think I might have heard the best voice of her generation!”

This movie doesn’t sugar coat her life. Houston’s alleged lesbian relationship is explored, as was her dependence on illicit drugs which ultimately required her to attend rehab, and her marriage to Bobby Brown which was turbulent from the beginning.

Moviegoers may be surprised to learn that the pop princess slept with Germaine Jackson. Tired of being a ‘good girl’ she enjoyed the company of men with ‘bad boy’ reputations. Many little known facts are revealed such as she put her wedding on hold to film The Bodyguard. She also claimed that everyone was using her as an ATM.

Ultimately Houston transitioned from ‘America’s sweetheart’ to being booed off the stage, facing uncertainty as her career crumbled and fortune perished owing to her father’s mismanagement of her finances.

Naomi Acki is breathtaking as Whitney Houston. She has mastered Houston’s demeanour and movement and shares an uncanny resemblance to the late songstress. Stanley Tucci is impeccable as Clive Davis, the American record producer who introduced Houston to the world of music and who also became her close and long-time friend.

Audiences may at times feel they’re watching a Whitney Houston video collection or even attending a loud concert as all of her greatest hits are featured.

I Wanna Dance With Somebody is not only entertaining but sheds light on who Whitney Houston was offstage. However, the avid fanbase may regard this as an expose on her personal life. From a church gospel singer to the world’s most popular artist of her generation her life was cut short owing to her involvement in illicit drug use.

As audiences sit back and watch the story of Whitney Houston unfold, many emotions may be evoked. Anger, sadness and perhaps the question may arise whether she would still be singing to the masses had her brothers not introduced her into the dark world of drugs.

****

In Cinemas Boxing Day