The many books, rumors, and talk shows with people who “knew” the Whitney Houston story usually focus on the drugs, her relationship with Robyn, Bobby Brown, and how she died. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” gives you all that but in a way that you actually feel as if you knew and understood Nippy, and not just the Whitney most of us knew through the public eye.
I was blessed to have met and interviewed Whitney twice. The first time was in Chicago; she had just announced her engagement to Bobby Brown and the media was dogging her. Nippy came into the suite ready to shut me down but those of you who know me know that I am not that type of interviewer.
I complimented her on her engagement, how beautiful her ring was and went on to talk about her new record. She relaxed, we laughed, and in the end, she gave me a hug and thanked me for the interview.
Director Kasi Lemmons doesn’t hold back on the ups and downs, street talking, insecurities, and dependencies of Whitney Houston. She doesn’t skirt around her relationship with her parents, love for Robyn and Bobby, and her trust in Clive Davis and he in her. She doesn’t sensationalize Whitney’s death or showcase her drug use as the main feature of the story. We see the person.
Kasi has brought together a strong cast to tell this story.
Naomi Ackie as Whitney Houston is fabulous and believable. She gives you that street attitude of Nippy and the sophistication of Whitney. Her movements, emotions, and the way she is believable lip syncing to Whitney’s songs showed that she put in the work to make sure we saw Whitney/Nippy, inside, and out.
Nafessa Williams as Robyn Crawford introduces to us her love for Whitney long before she became a famous singer and icon. We see a better understanding of their relationship.
Stanley Tucci was hand picked by Clive Davis to play him, and he was fantastic in the role.
Ashton Sanders is Bobby Brown and even though their relationship was toxic, there was a love there, but I’m not sure if it was the type of lasting husband-wife type of love.
I would suggest you see it on the big screen at least once, but it would be great for a streaming channel.
I give “I Want To Dance With Somebody” 4 out of 5 winks of the EYE!
Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky.
