Naomi Ackie is resplendent as one of the greatest vocalists of our times, Whitney Houston. Photograph: Emily Aragones © 2022 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Click to view the trailer.
I Wanna Dance with Somebody is a powerful bio-drama of former singer Whitney Houston, one of the greatest vocalists to walk on Earth.
In the halcyon days of her career, she could tremble a totem with her deep mezzo-soprano from the gut. Then make you cry with silky vocals.
In her last days in her late 40s, after abusing her vocal cords with hard liquor, smoking and drugs, she would send audiences home in sadness and loathing.
Director Kasi Lemmons paints a powerful picture of a tormented soul. Naomi Ackie transforms into Whitney Houston with passion and grace, and while Ackie’s performance is mesmerizing, Stanley Tucci as Clive Davis, the founder and president of Arista Records, creates a character that could soften a hedgehog with his calm demeanor. This, folks, is one of the best supporting roles in a while.
The script by Anthony McCarten, known for penning spectacular films like Darkest Hour (2017) and The Theory of Everything (2014), succeeds again with a fluid, moving storyline that never bores in the span of nearly three hours.
Add all of the above and a thunderous soundtrack with Houston singing classics like the titular “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and the breathtaking “I Will Always Love You,” and the viewer will be lost in the reveries of watching the film long until next year.
And beyond.
‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ in cinemas on December 23. Running time: 146 minutes.
