Back to Black

Back to Black, the new rock biopic of Amy Winehouse, is as flawed as its subject and equally hard to keep your eyes off of.

The new film follows Winehouse's tumultuous journey from the European success of Frank in 2003 to her titular album in 2006. While it attempts to capture the essence of her life, it falls victim to the clichés of sweeping rock biopics, oversimplifying her complexities and talent.

However, there’s no way to separate Amy’s biography from her addiction. Despite its shortcomings, the film wisely hones in on the central theme: Amy's toxic love affair, which defined her tumultuous years and artistic output.

This is your typical biopic that sits on the shelf with Rocket Man, Bohemian Rhapsody, Ray and Walk the Line. For a deeper understanding of Amy Winehouse, the Academy Award-winning documentary Amy remains the definitive source.

Nevertheless, Amy Winehouse's magnetic presence, coupled with Marisa Abela's mesmerizing portrayal, renders this film undeniably watchable. She remains an icon for a reason; I was mesmerized.

In a nutshell: Is it a must-watch? No, no, no. Is it fascinating anyway? Yes, yes, yes.

Where to watch: Currently in theaters.

Would it be better with Olivia Colman: For sure. However Lesley Manville rocks as her paternal grandmother, Cynthia.

Award potential: Marisa Abela is strong in this role, but this is not award material.

The Ten Buck Review: I can't fully recommend that you spend your ten bucks here when you can stream 2015's Amy instead.

The Fall Guy

The Fall Guy, an 80's TV title property that wants to be both a rom-com and an action-adventure film, doesn't sound like something I'd recommend. 

However, this flick is a big win as a popcorn film that packs all the right punches. It reminded me of those big Hollywood crowdpleasers that paired real movie stars together for a fun night out at the cinema. 

Director David Leitch (Bullet Train, Deadpool 2, and the John Wick series) brings a palpable admiration for stuntmen to this film, infusing it with both depth and charm. And he certainly knows how to elevate action onscreen — and Emily Blunt is delightful with comic dialogue. 

But Credit Ryan Gosling who is at the top of his comedy game and in almost every scene as stuntman Colt Severs — and perfectly paired with his Ken & Kitty Barbenheimer partner. Blunt and Gosling were magic together as Oscar presenters this year and the comic chemistry is real. This is the banter-driven film I had hoped Jungle Cruise (Blunt) or Nice Guys (Gosling) would have been.

In the third act, where I was expecting to be bored by the simplistic plot playing out as well as the action needing to go over the top, the opposite happened. The practical stunts (and minimal CG ones) were fresh and had me leaning forward.

Turns out, a film that honors and showcases stuntmen is a great setup for a fun franchise. Unfortunately, I don't think the early box office is going to justify making a sequel as it seems everyone just wants to stream this at home. They're missing out.

In a nutshell: I fell for it. The superfun popcorn movie we haven't had in ages. See it in the theater with a crowd.

Where to see it: In theaters now.

Would it be better with Olivia Colman: Of course. She would have somehow made the Hannah Waddington role even better. I love Hannah, but she was the only one overplaying her role.

Oscar potential: Not that type of film.

The Ten Buck Review: Worth ten bucks.