I Wanna Dance with Somebody Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A supremely talented singer goes from church choir to superstardom, battles personal demons, and has some bops along the way…basically, every music biopic ever.

🍿 I Wanna Dance with Somebody: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Discovery

The film begins in 1983, showcasing a young Whitney Houston, mentored by her mother Cissy, performing in a New Jersey church choir. Her talent and passion for singing are evident from an early age. She also develops a close, romantic relationship with her friend Robyn Crawford. One evening, when Cissy can’t perform at Sweetwaters nightclub, Whitney takes the stage, impressing Clive Davis, who quickly signs her to Arista Records.

Rising Stardom and Crossover Success

Whitney’s career skyrockets after her debut album release and performance on ‘The Merv Griffin Show.’ She establishes Nippy Inc., managed by her demanding father. However, her romantic relationship with Robyn is discouraged, leading to tension. She releases her second album, featuring the hit ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody,’ achieving crossover success but facing criticism for not sounding ‘black enough,’ a sentiment she vehemently defends.

Marriage and Personal Struggles

Whitney meets Bobby Brown at the Soul Train Music Awards in 1988, eventually marrying him and having a daughter, Bobbi Kristina. Their relationship deteriorates, marked by arguments and Whitney’s increasing cocaine use to cope with the stress. Whitney struggles with maintaining her artistic integrity while battling personal demons and external pressures.

Comeback Attempts and Final Years

By 1998, Whitney grapples with a stalled music career and confronts her father about mismanaged finances. She attempts a comeback with a new album and tour, but her physical and mental health decline. Despite Clive’s warnings, she pushes herself too hard, exacerbating her addiction and leading to Robyn leaving her life. Despite attempts at sobriety, Whitney’s struggles ultimately lead to her tragic death in 2012.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Whitney Houston (Naomi Ackie): A supremely talented singer who navigates the complexities of fame, love, and identity while becoming one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
• Clive Davis (Stanley Tucci): The influential record producer who discovers Whitney and guides her to superstardom, acting as a mentor and confidant throughout her career.
• Bobby Brown (Ashton Sanders): Whitney’s husband whose tumultuous relationship with her is marked by love, conflict, and substance abuse, impacting her personal and professional life.
• Cissy Houston (Tamara Tunie): Whitney’s mother, a gospel singer herself, who mentors and pushes Whitney while grappling with her daughter’s choices and fame.
• Robyn Crawford (Nafessa Williams): Whitney’s close friend and confidante, whose intimate relationship with the singer is tested by societal pressures and Whitney’s rise to fame.
• John Houston (Clarke Peters): Whitney’s father who manages her career aggressively, leading to financial and personal conflicts that strain their relationship.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Whitney Houston: “I want to sing, not just be a singer.” – Expresses her desire for artistic expression and depth beyond just performing songs.
• Clive Davis: “Whitney, you have a voice that comes along once in a lifetime.” – Highlights his initial recognition of her exceptional talent and potential for stardom.
• Whitney Houston: “I’m not trying to be anyone but me.” – Response to criticism of not being ‘black enough’ and wanting to stay true to herself.
• Whitney Houston: “Music is my life.” – Illustrates her deep connection and commitment to her musical career.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $45,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $23,708,080
• Worldwide Gross: $59,806,881

💥 I Wanna Dance with Somebody Reviews

Personal Review

As a huge Whitney fan, I was excited but also nervous about this movie. Naomi Ackie really did her best, and she nails a lot of Whitney’s mannerisms. I teared up during “I Will Always Love You” – that song still gets me! But the movie felt like it was trying to cover too much ground. I wish they’d gone deeper into her relationship with Robyn and not just glossed over it. Overall, it’s a decent tribute, but I still feel like Whitney deserves something truly extraordinary.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Whitney Houston and her music”
  • “Viewers interested in musical biopics”
  • “Those who appreciate strong acting performances”
  • “People interested in stories about fame, success, and personal struggles”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use and addiction”
  • “Depiction of troubled relationships”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While Ackie delivers a commendable performance, the film struggles to dig deep, glossing over crucial moments in Houston’s life. It’s a surface-level tribute that, while entertaining, lacks the emotional resonance it strives for.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Though Ackie embodies Houston with impressive physicality, the narrative feels rushed, ticking off milestones without exploring the singer’s inner life. Tucci shines as Clive Davis, lending gravitas to an otherwise predictable script.
• Rolling Stone: “Ackie’s performance elevates a formulaic biopic, capturing Houston’s essence despite the film’s shortcomings. The soundtrack is, of course, stellar, but the movie dances around the darker aspects of Houston’s life without truly confronting them.

Audience Reactions

Naomi Ackie’s portrayal of Whitney Houston was praised, despite the fact that she does not look exactly like Whitney Houston.: Viewers loved the soundtrack and the nostalgia factor, reliving Whitney’s iconic performances.

Stanley Tucci’s performance as Clive Davis was amazing and loved by viewers.: Many felt the movie touched on Whitney’s struggles, but didn’t dive deep enough into her personal life.

Overall Consensus: While Naomi Ackie’s performance is widely praised, the film is seen as a formulaic biopic that doesn’t fully explore Whitney Houston’s complexities. A good tribute, but not a definitive one.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Whitney Houston’s actual voice is used for approximately 95% of the singing performances in the film, ensuring authenticity.”
• “The filmmakers worked closely with Clive Davis, Houston’s long-time mentor and record producer, who provided insights and helped shape the narrative.”
• “Naomi Ackie underwent extensive training to capture Whitney Houston’s stage presence, mannerisms, and body language, resulting in a performance that many found captivating despite not closely resembling Houston physically.”
• “The film attempts to balance celebrating Houston’s musical achievements with addressing the personal struggles and controversies that marked her life and career.”

🖥️ How to Watch I Wanna Dance with Somebody?

I Wanna Dance with Somebody is currently available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for availability on cable and satellite providers. Physical copies (DVDs and Blu-rays) can be purchased from major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, offering options for collectors and those preferring a physical media experience.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed I Wanna Dance with Somebody, you might like these similar films:

• Bohemian Rhapsody (2018): A musical biopic that explores the life and career of a legendary singer and band, focusing on their rise to fame and personal struggles.
• Rocketman (2019): Another musical biopic about a hugely famous artist, this time Elton John. The film explores his musical genius and his battle with personal demons.
• Ray (2004): A biopic about Ray Charles which chronicles his rise to fame, his struggles with addiction, and his impact on music.
• What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993): This film captures the difficult relationship of Tina Turner and Ike Turner.
• Elvis (2022): Similar to Whitney, Elvis was a superstar with a complex personal life which are both highlighted in this musical biopic.

🛒 I Wanna Dance with Somebody Related Products

• Whitney: The Ultimate Collection [Limited Edition CD]: A limited-edition CD collection featuring Whitney Houston’s greatest hits, including remixes and live performances. High-quality audio, exclusive packaging, and liner notes from Clive Davis.
• Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance with Somebody: The Official Coloring Book: Official coloring book with intricate drawings. Images cover all of Whitney Houston’s life and career.
• Whitney Houston ‘The Bodyguard’ Movie Poster: High-quality print capturing Whitney Houston in her iconic role. Features a glossy finish and durable material, perfect for framing and display.
• I Will Always Love You: The Whitney Houston Story: An e-book telling the life of Whitney Houston in detail. Includes images and information not included in the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

I Wanna Dance with Somebody features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” – performed by Whitney Houston
• “I Will Always Love You” – performed by Whitney Houston
• “The Greatest Love of All” – performed by Whitney Houston
• “Home” – performed by Whitney Houston

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Cynthia Erivo performs the Whitney Houston hit “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)”

Ever wondered what Cynthia Erivo sounds like singing Whitney Houston *before* the movie? Check out this incredible performance of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”! Seriously, her voice is unreal – you won’t be disappointed.

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