There’s a story that isn’t told in “Back to Black.”
Picturing acclaimed singer Amy Winehouse as an innocent is the goal; explaining how she died isn't.
Short on detail, the Sam Taylor-Johnson film doesn’t even give a good sense of what propelled her career. One minute she’s singing in a bar, the next (after several smoke breaks), she’s at a record label making demands.
Jack O'Connell as Blake Fielder-Civil and Marisa Abela stars as Amy Winehouse in "Back to Black."
Her grandmother (lovingly played by Lesley Manville) exerts plenty of influence (including that hairstyle) but isn’t given enough time to really leave a mark. Instead, we see dad (Eddie Marsan) all over the place, driving Amy to appointments and serving as her “yes” man. Husband Blake Fielder-Civil (Jack O’Connell) schools her in music (which other biographies refute); Simon Fuller gets upset because he can’t package her like another Spice Girl.
And Amy? She’s in the middle of the pack, innocently singing her songs and insisting she wants to make her own choices.
Drug use, bulimia, alcohol poisoning and other factors said to have caused her death are only hinted at here. Put Amy in a poodle skirt and this could have been the story of any number of ‘50s singers.
Marisa Abela stars as Amy Winehouse in Back to Black."
“Back to Black,” however, should be more specific, more honest about the woman it remembers. (“They tried to make me go to rehab”? Where did that come from?)
Marisa Abela does a fine job duplicating Winehouse – particularly her voice – but she’s not given the scenes that could land her the kind of attention these films bring. She has a good flirtation with O’Connell but then Taylor-Johnson shortchanges their off-again moments and winds up prompting more questions than answering any of them.
Even Winehouse’s duet with Tony Bennett is left on the cutting room floor (if it was filmed). She mentions him several times early on, then smiles as footage shows Bennett announcing her Grammy win for Record of the Year. “Body and Soul”? It’s merely a number she admired, not the tune that won her and Bennett another Grammy.
Marisa Abela as Amy Winehouse and Eddie Marsan as Mitch Winehouse in director Sam Taylor-Johnson's "Back to Black."
Worse, most of Winehouse’s songs aren’t given the performance they’re due. Snippets of songs (including “Rehab” and “Black”) hint at what she was but don’t demonstrate. At times, you’d swear someone was trying to scrub her past until it starts to look like Taylor Swift’s present.
While paparazzi play a role here, they can’t compare to the cigarettes that get more screen time than any supporting actor.
They’re the wind beneath her wings and the rasp within her throat.
Movies in a minute with film critic Bruce Miller
Movies in a Minute: "Abigail"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says that if you get an invitation to dinner from "Abigail" just say it got lost in the mail. She's a messy eater.
Movies in a Minute: "Civil War"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Civil War" seems like a film designed to scare audiences into attention.
Movies in a Minute: "Monkey Man"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Monkey Man" never sits still. The film is full of extreme close-up shots which are impossible to ignore and, often, easy to misread.
Movies in a Minute: "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" isn’t as good as previous mashups, but this, you might say, is the “Oppenheimer” of the monsterverse.
Movies in a Minute: "Late Night With the Devil"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Late Night With the Devil" toys with its audience and plays out much like an old-school talk show.
Movies in a Minute: "Snack Shack"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Snack Shack" is Profane, constantly in motion and very retro. It’s the vacation you didn’t think you needed but sure were glad you took.
Movies in a Minute: "Cabrini"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Cabrini" is a noble look at the patron saint of immigrants, Frances Cabrini. The film reminds us there is not an even playing field then – or now. It’s a stirring message at this time of year.
Movies in a Minute "Dune: Part Two"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Dune: Part Two" plops you in the middle of the action and never slows up. This sequel is beautifully photographed and powerfully scored.
Movies in a Minute: "Drive-Away Dolls"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Drive-Away Dolls" is isn’t as complete as you’d like it to be but it does have moments and isn’t afraid to let familiar faces play unfamiliar roles.
Movies in a Minute "Bob Marley: One Love"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Bob Marley: One Love" has plenty of music and a subdued vibe but it doesn’t tell us a lot about the reggae legend himself. The film leaves out plenty of key information – the kind of stuff a fan would like to know.
Movies in a Minute: "Lisa Frankenstein”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Lisa Frankenstein” is a light romp in a dark, dark world. But it could have been a wild wallow in an era that was packed with possibilities.
Movies in a Minute: “The Greatest Night in Pop”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “The Greatest Night in Pop” is a wonderful slice of history that shows what happens when stars check their egos at the door and produce something iconic.
Movies in a Minute: "Poor Things"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Poor Things" may be one of the most bizarre films of the year, but it's also a springboard for some of the best acting work of the year.
Movies in a Minute: Best Actress nominee Sandra Huller
UpdatedSandra Huller, who stars in two Best Picture nominees, "Anatomy of a Fall," and "The Zone of Interest," is also nominated for Best Actress for her role in the former. Movie critic Bruce Miller calls Huller's performances incredible and says her Best Actress nomination is one of the most deserving honors of the year.
Movies in a Minute: "Mean Girls"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Mean Girls" has a problem with the translation to the big screen. Here, it’s darker and, somehow, more serious.
Movies in a Minute: "Anyone But You"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Anyone But You" isn’t as fun or as snarky as you want it to be. It’s just a chance for it stars to try something new without making a huge mistake.
Movies in a Minute: "The Color Purple"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Color Purple" is an all-singing all-dancing extravaganza that sometimes overshadows the story of Celie, but it's a powerful film that packs a punch.
Movies in a Minute: "The Iron Claw"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Iron Claw" is a fascinating slice of life that suggests all the fame in the world may look great but it can’t replace a little parental love.
Movies in a Minute: "Wonka"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Wonka,” the prequel to “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” is just as delightful as the original.
Movies in a Minute: "May December"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "May December" goes deeper than any investigative story and hurts more than a well-timed social media post.
Movies in a Minute: "Wish"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says Disney's "Wish" has so many mediocre references to past animated films it can’t help but pale in comparison.
Movies in a Minute: "Next Goal Wins"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Next Goal Wins" is largely a matter of how you define “winning.” Unfortunately, the story is so scattered it’s hard to find the momentum.
Movies in a Minute: "The Marvels"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Marvels" is not very interesting. The three crime fighters take on a baddie looking for a second bracelet but universal domination shouldn’t be the goal of everyone in a superhero movie.
Movies in a Minute: "The Holdovers"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Holdovers" is a holiday movie with some rougher edges. Despite being bathed in the glow of nostalgia, “The Holdovers” is brutally real about human relationships.
Movies in a Minute: "Five Nights at Freddy's"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Five Nights at Freddy's" is like something you’d find on Nickelodeon over Halloween weekend. It isn't a chilling gore fest. It tests the nerves but it doesn’t fry the brain.
Movies in a Minute "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" is spectacular and easy to watch, though it may be a long sit for some viewers. Swift's lyrics hit the target right in the heart.
Movies in a Minute: "Killers of the Flower Moon"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Killers of the Flower Moon” is true cinema. It’s art in its highest form that never fails to entertain.
Movies in a Minute: "The Exorcist: Believer"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller calls the "The Exorcist: Believer" a respectful reboot but definitely not a head turner.
Movies in a Minute: "Fair Play"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Fair Play" is easily one of the most compelling films of the year.
Movies in a Minute: "Expend4bles"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Expend4bles" is a pretty run of the mill. While you may enjoy some of the action – even though none of the gunplay seems motivated – you will enjoy the handful of minutes Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham are together on screen.
Movies in a Minute: "A Haunting in Venice"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "A Haunting in Venice" doesn’t scare up much drama or give its stellar cast a lot to do. In short, is awfully dull.
Movies in a Minute: "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3"
UpdatedDespite a solid performance from Andrea Martin as Aunt Voula, movie critic Bruce Miller says "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3" is a series of one-liners covering a very obvious story.
Movies in a Minute: "The Equalizer 3"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Equalizer 3" is a lot like “John Wick” and any number of Liam Neeson movies; very violent, but with a simple story. But if it gets Washington on screen, who are we to complain?
Movies in a Minute: "Blue Beetle"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Blue Beetle" brings a different vibe to the suit, not the story. It's very much Spider-Man in a different neighborhood. This film plays by the rules but it’s best when it colors outside the lines. Those flights of fancy make it interesting and, yes, worth suiting up.
Movies in a Minute: "Gran Turismo"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Gran Turismo" will make you want to rev your engine on the way home from the theater.
Movies in a Minute: Mid-year wrap-up
UpdatedWithout a doubt, “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” were the big surprises. “Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3” showed there was still life in superhero films, and “Sound of Freedom" continues to do good business thanks to its word of mouth campaign.
Movies in a Minute: "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says there’s plenty of ninja action in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" and a lot of familiar tropes, but what really flies here is the cast.
Fans in Mumbai celebrate new Rajinikanth movie
UpdatedHundreds of fans of Rajinikanth, one of India’s biggest movie superstars, celebrated the release of his latest movie "Jailer.” Popular movie stars are treated like gods in India, often worshipped like deities by their fans. When Rajinikanth appeared on screen at the 6 a.m. screening, the theater stopped the movie for a minute as fans rejoiced in his return after two years.
Movies in a Minute: "Haunted Mansion"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Haunted Mansion” has a little too much conversation to be a truly scary film. When it ends, you aren’t any wiser about the mansion, but you just might want to take a trip to Disney World.
Movies in a Minute: "Barbie"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Barbie” is a playdate that’s also educational. It’s one of the most intelligent films of the year.
Movies in a Minute: “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” is a visual treat.
Movies in a Minute: “Joy Ride”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Joy Ride” is raunchy but very, very funny.
Movies in a Minute: “Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny” has enough close calls to wonder if this really is his last trek. As with all Indiana Jones films, this one rarely sits still.
Movies in a Minute: “No Hard Feelings”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “No Hard Feelings” lacks key scenes that might have made it seem a little less calculated. Jennifer Lawrence gets big laughs and it doesn’t take a genius to figure out where this is headed.
Movies in a Minute: "Elemental"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Elemental” has visuals that spark some interest, but the story itself is more interested in making puns than firing emotions.
Movies in a Minute: “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” has some wincingly bad moments but it’s a fairly harmless ride. If you can buy innocence in the world of Transformers, you should be able to fall for just about anything.
Movies in a Minute: “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” isn’t an animated film meant for very young movie goers but it is a spidey-delight for everyone else. Even when you can’t follow the story, you can enjoy the spectacular visuals which are like an art exhibit that pops to life.
Movies in a Minute: "The Little Mermaid"
UpdatedDespite the excellent work of Halle Bailey as Ariel and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula in the live action version of "The Little Mermaid," Sioux City Journal film critic Bruce Miller says the movie is just another attempt to squeeze money out of a property that didn't need remaking.
Movies in a Minute: “Fast X”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Fast X” has too many characters and a plot that loops like a Six Flags roller coaster. Jason Momoa as Dante Reyes is much better than past villains and isn’t afraid to go out of his comfort zone.
Movies in a Minute: "Book Club: The Next Chapter"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Book Club: The Next Chapter” is really just a string of one-liners. The plot is non-existent, it’s just a ruse to get four stars together for a bachelorette party in Italy.
Movies in a Minute: “Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3” entertains in new ways. Rocket the Raccoon gets center stage and does a great job.
Movies in a Minute: "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret."
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.” presents a simple way of approaching life and the curves it tosses. It’s a good lesson for us all.
Movies in a Minute: "The Covenant"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says as much as it traffics in clichés, “The Covenant” will help you understand what matters most – here, there and everywhere in the world.
Movies in a Minute: "Renfield"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Renfield” is simply a way to draw the bug-eating, vampire helpers of the world. It’s not a good look at the much-maligned character, just a film that bears his name.
Movies in a Minute: "Air"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Air" isn't just the story of a shoe. It’s what happens to that shoe once Michael Jordan puts his foot in it. On all counts, “Air” soars.
Movies in a Minute: "Dungeons and Dragons"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says the special effects in “Dungeons and Dragons” are just so-so, but the script isn’t. This is an adventure that has plenty of laughs and a sense of purpose that makes it nobler than “The Lord of the Rings.”
Movies in a Minute: "John Wick Chapter 4"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says the action sequences are impeccable in “John Wick: Chapter 4." This last film gives fans the kind of closure they may have been seeking.
Movies in a Minute: “Champions”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Champions” surprises in ways you wouldn’t think and shows us Woody Harrelson still knows his way around a basketball court.
Movies in a Minute: “Creed III”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Creed III” isn’t so much a boxing film as it is a look at the power of family. It’s very much about emotions and responsibility.
Movies in a Minute: “80 for Brady”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “80 for Brady” is really just a good idea that goes nowhere.
Movies in a Minute: "Challengers"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Challengers" is a smart love fest for fans of tennis. The film is a closer than usual look at the emotional toll the game takes. When the action starts, we’re curious how it’s going to play out.
Movies in a Minute: "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" includes the best motion capture performance we’ve seen and, easily, the reason this film works so well. No matter how many “Planet of the Apes” films you’ve seen, this is the one to embrace.
Movies in a Minute: "The Fall Guy"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Fall Guy" rolls out every jaw-dropping stunt possible and manages to pull the curtain back on the movie industry.
Movies in a Minute: "The Blue Angels"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Blue Angels" documentary shows us what it’s like to be the best of the best. For fans of air shows, it’s a great “rest of the story” production.
Movies in a Minute: "Summer Camp"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Summer Camp” doesn’t have a spark that could start a fire.
Movies in a Minute: "Jim Henson Idea Man”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "“Jim Henson Idea Man” shows how the puppeteer created the Muppets and Sesame Street. “Idea Man” scratches at the surface of Jim Henson. It just doesn’t dig into the felt.
Movies in a Minute "Bad Boys: Ride or Die"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" doesn’t try to deliver big messages, it's just a lot of fun.
Movies in a Minute: "Inside Out 2"
UpdatedMovies in a Minute: "Thelma"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment critic Bruce Miller says that while the action in “Thelma” may not be all that realistic, it’s highly entertaining and just the ticket for audiences tired of three-part dramas.
Movies in a Minute "A Quiet Place: Day One"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says the joy of "A Quiet Place: Day One" is how well Lupita Nyong’o conveys every emotion without words. She’s a wonderful actress who makes you care about her, her cat and the law student, played by Joseph Quinn. When they’re in danger, we’re in danger. When they’re exhaling, we’re exhaling.
Movies in a Minute "Maxxxine"
Movie critic Bruce Miller says "Maxxxine" doesn’t accomplish much or really scare. It’s a visual treat but a scary movie dud. It’s merely an attempt for a director to walk in other’s shoes, not blaze new trails.
Movies in a Minute "Despicable Me 4"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Despicable Me 4" is all over the map, looking for something to stick. It’s fine for those with short attention spans but for everyone else it’s a mess to sort out.
Movies in a Minute: "Deadpool & Wolverine"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Deadpool & Wolverine" is the Marvel film for everyone who has grown weary of superheroes and their overly long stories. Teaming with Jackman was a brilliant move. The yin and yang of the new Marvel Universe can take on everyone and still manage a smirk.
Movies in a Minute: "Twisters"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Twisters" whips up plenty of action to be one of the best movies this summer.
Movies in a Minute: "Trap"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Trap" is an interesting concept, particularly since it plays on understandable fears.
Movies in a Minute: "It Ends With Us"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "It Ends with Us” becomes yet another protracted romance in which no one is honest and open. It’s an OK relationship drama, it just didn’t need more than two hours to make its point.
Movies in a Minute "Alien: Romulus"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Alien: Romulus" isn’t afraid to throw in a good ol’ popcorn surprise when you least expect it. You don’t have to know a thing about the earlier “Alien” films to enjoy this one.
Movies in a Minute: "Blink Twice"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment reporter Bruce Miller says if you put a bunch of people on an island just about anything can happen..... and, in "Blink Twice," it does.
Movies in a Minute: "Reagan"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Reagan" squeezes too much drama into one film. It's a CliffsNotes approach to history just hitting the highlights and quickly moving on.
Movies in a Minute: "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment editor Bruce Miller says that when Beetlejuice, Michael Keaton’s crazy-haired bio-exorcist, appears all is right in the crazy world of this sequel to 1988's "Beetlejuice." But be forewarned - if you're not familiar with the original movie, you may have some catching up to do.
Movies in a Minute: "Speak No Evil"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Speak No Evil" is visually messy and disjointed. It becomes one of those horror films that makes you want to scream at the screen.
