‘Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ Showcases True Life of Legend

Audiences will have the chance to remember and relive Whitney Houston and her incredible Voice in theaters with the release of “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” the music biopic that will provide Whitney fans with previously unknown insight into the icon’s life and work.

It is both a celebration of the triumphs of her life and a clear-eyed look at the tragedies that took her from us far too soon.

For the fans, Whitney’s story has never truly been told. They are well acquainted with the plethora of material that has been produced that purportedly “tells all,” including the 2015 telefilm and the 2018 documentary, but both of these projects profoundly disappointed the fans and the people closest to her. Neither examines or celebrates the most important part of Whitney’s life – her music – and instead, both focus on the salacious headlines that obscured the real Whitney.

“Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody” is meant not only to be a chance for fans to relive the icon’s life and music, but also to give Whitney’s point of view, told by the people who knew her best.

The primary source for details on Whitney’s life was Clive Davis himself. In collaboration, the two had a magical partnership. “We had seven number-ones in a row from the first two albums. That broke the all-time record,” states Clive Davis. “I said to her, ‘Whitney, this is historic. Tell me you’re pinching yourself, because otherwise I won’t know that you know how special this is.’ And every time we would kid around, she would actually pinch herself.”

“The song selection process was two people – Whitney and me. Whitney listened to everything. She knew every arranger, every producer. She listened to the radio 24/7. I was looking for songs that were special, that I felt could be a big hit. The traditional thought was to look for a major R&B record with the potential of crossing over into pop, but I didn’t look for that. I wanted a great song.”

One of the most important people in Whitney’s life was her lover, friend, and confidante Robyn Crawford. Playing the role is actress Nafessa Williams. “There’s so much out there about Whitney and Bobby, that in this story, the friendship and life she shared with Robyn is a surprise,” states Nafessa Williams. “There have always been whispers, but this actually tells a really beautiful side of their relationship and who they were as friends.”

Whitney Houston to most of us, was absolutely everything! The voice was only the introduction, but it was her personality and resilience that made her just like us.

Whitney’s story has been told what seems like over a million times on the screen, since her unfortunate passing on February 11th, 2012. “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody” is Whitney’s story, told from her family and Clive Davis. No other Whitney film, can even compare.

In “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody” fans of the late diva, get a real peek inside of the woman, who came in the music industry by storm with hit after hit. Whitney’s early years are showcased in a way that most wouldn’t expect, mostly with her relationship with her former assistant Robyn Crawford.

The rumors were running wild during Whitney’s early reign, but Whitney always denied anything romantic between the two. The film explores their journey and how relevant and important it was to Whitney’s success and happiness.

Another relationship showcased in the film, is the one between Whitney and Clive Davis. Viewers get a front row seat in seeing how they vibed, selected songs, and even got on each others nerves. The genuine friendship between the two is what kept and has continued to keep Whitney Houston a house-hold name. Stanley Tucci does an amazing job of becoming the record executive, who has been on the top of his game over the last five decades.

No story could be told on Whitney, without including her marriage to Bobby Brown. The film does a good job of displaying from jump, what was eventually the demise of their marriage. Whitney wanted love and acceptance, and Bobby wanted love and security. When you look at their love story in this film, you get a better understanding of her fight to save it.

Whitney’s relationship with her parents is the foundation of the film, and comes full circle. Crissy Houston is played by the amazing Tamara Tunie, who shows Cissy as a talented artist herself, but knows her daughter is a star! Their relationship is one many fans remember and loved witnessing, in the film we get a better understanding of the bond they shared.

Naomi Ackie is Whitney Houston. Again…Naomi Ackie is Whitney Houston! Many people and critics have criticized the casting of Naomi Ackie as Nippy. From her nationality, to her look, to she doesn’t sing, down to her not having enough sweat on her in the performance clips. Regardless of the reason, when it comes down to it Naomi nails it!

Whitney Houston had personality and she was a genuine soul, what you see is what you got at that moment! To portray that you have to become Whitney, Naomi’s presence comes off as Whitney from the opening scene and throughout the entire film. When she speaks, we hear Whitney, when she sings and dance, we see Whitney, when she laughs, it’s Nippy!

The only complaint on this wonderful film, is there should of been a little more time showcasing Nippy’s relationship with Bobbi Kristina, by edging off some of her relationship with Robin.

The “Impossible Medley” of “I Loves You, Porgy,” “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” and “I Have Nothing” at the 1994 AMAs, is the perfect closing for the film.

In all, there isn’t reason for any Whitney Houston fans to miss the opportunity to see this film in theaters, you won’t regret it!

22 of Whitney’s Songs are featured in the film;

• Greatest Love of All
• Home
• You Give Good Love
• If You Say My Eyes Are Beautiful (duet with Jermaine Jackson)
• Where Do Broken Hearts Go
• Saving All My Love
• How Will I Know
• I Wanna Dance with Somebody
• Far Enough (unreleased)
• The Star-Spangled Banner
• Run To You
• I Will Always Love You (Live at the Concert for a New South Africa)
• Why Does It Hurt So Bad
• It’s Not Right, But It’s OK
• I’m Every Woman
• I’m Your Baby Tonight
• So Emotional
• One Moment In Time
• Million Dollar Bill
• My Name Is Not Susan
• I Didn’t Know My Own Strength
• “The Impossible Medley” (I Loves You, Porgy / And I Am Telling You I’m Not
Going / I Have Nothing)

There are performances in the film for which there exists no recording of Whitney singing. For these, audiences will hear Ackie singing “Guide Me, O My Great Jehovah”; singing background with Cissy Houston (Tamara Tunie) at Sweetwater’s; and performing vocal drills with Cissy in the church.

“Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody” is the powerful and triumphant celebration of the incomparable Whitney Houston. Only in Theaters This Week, from Sony Pictures.

Cast includes Naomi Ackie, Stanley Tucci, Ashton Sanders, Tamara Tunie, Nafessa Williams and Clarke Peters.