Lifetime has revealed the release date of the upcoming Whitney Houston biopic (Jan 17), Whitney, and the trailer dropped yesterday, but I feel like this movie is going to be a terrible flop and a disservice to the iconic trailblazer. Below are my top 5 reasons that I feel this move is doomed to fail…
#1 The network
It’s on Lifetime.. and Lifetime biopics… well.. suck. And if their Saved By the Bell & Aaliyah movies were any indication of the quality, return to sender. Pronto!
#2 – Casting
The actor cast as Bobby Brown does not have a pronounced gap you could back an SUV up in. This is almost as bas as when Shemar Moore‘s character on The Young & the Restless was recast as EDDIE FREAKING WINSLOW! EDDIE WINSLOW!
#3 – The script and subject matter
Whitney Houston is one of the most successful music acts of all time. Her list of accomplishments is endless and she still remains the most awarded female artist in history. She was the first to sell a million copies of an album in 1 week, 1 of her albums alone sold 40 million worldwide, yet the focus of the movie is her relationship with Bobby Brown and their drug use. Lifetime loves to capitalize on sensationalism and gossip – as seen with their previous biopics.
# The lack of family approval
Whitney Houston’s estate, including her mother, Cissy Houston, and her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, are strongly against this film being made and feel that it is far too soon and that Whitney’s story should be in theaters. Not on a struggle cable network.
#5 The Voice is missing
Whitney Houston is known as ‘The Voice’ across the world. She influence knows no bounds, or genres, and every singer who has come out in the past 30 years has claimed her as an influence – even her “rivals” Mariah Carey and Celine Dion – but guess what? Whitney’s once in a lifetime voice will not be used! Just like Aaliyah’s wasn’t because the family refused to allow it! But it’s actually 50 times worse, because Whitney could actually sing. No shade to baby girl, but let’s be honest here.
Ultimately, this movie is going to flop because it shouldn’t be made. The casting, the script, the lack of family support and Whitney’s own voice are huge red flags. And IF a Whitney Houston biopic is ever made, it deserves to be on the big screen, with better actors, and well-rounded script, and the consent of Whitney’s family. She deserves better. Stop trolling us, Lifetime!
Whitney premieres Saturday, Jan. 17, at 8 p.m. on Lifetime. Watch the trailer below and keep your fingers crossed.
