Amy - B+

Rated R, 128

The late Amy Winehouse.

minutes

The compelling and fascinating documentary "Amy" details the tragic life of talented pop star Amy Winehouse, and is a must-see for music fans. Despite just two albums to her name Amy Winehouse is one of the biggest music icons in British history. With a voice oft described as a combination of Billy Holiday, Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughan, Amy Winehouse was a pop star with soul; a once in two generational musical talent whose appeal crossed cultural and demographic boundaries. But while her music made her a star, her chaotic personal life stole headlines. Directed by acclaimed documentarian Asif Kapadia ("Senna"), "Amy" is a powerful, intriguing look at the life and death of Winehouse, whose troubles far outshone her actual talent. Winehouse was a unconventional and flawed talent, and likewise the documentary is unconventional and sometimes flawed: it's told solely through extensive home and news footage and photographs, some of it rare, and Kapadia, rather than using the standard documentary talking heads, only uses voices (including Winehouse's). It works well for the subject, though it's a mixed bag, as it would've added a layer of emotion to see the subjects as they speak of Winehouse and her talent. In addition, it mixes some unnecessary graphics of her lyrics as she sings of her songs, which is also good but Winehouse's voice is strong and powerful enough that it isn't really needed. On that note, Winehouse was a troubled, intriguing star, and unsurprisingly, these musical interludes are the best part of the film, and if you weren't a fan of her voice, you will be by the end of the film (even as a teen, her unique sound resonated beautifully); for the record, her father or her husband come off well, and rightfully so. "Amy" goes on too long and can be redundant, especially through the singer's drug issues, but it's still a must-see for Winehouse and music fans in general. Best scene: seeing Winehouse win the 2008 Grammy Award for Record of the Year, something I personally and vividly remember watching. One of the most compelling and sad documentaries this year, put this one on your list to see.