Amy Winehouse biopic Back To Black is SLAMMED by critics as a 'poor piece of ... trends now

The Amy Winehouse biopic Back To Black has been slated by film critics as a 'poor piece of filmmaking' and a 'Saturday-night impersonation' of the star.

The film, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson tells the life story of the late singer, portrayed by Marisa Abela, who died in 2011 aged 27 from alcohol poisoning. 

The flick had its premiere in London on Monday and the first reviews in praised both the film's director and cast.

Awarding the film just one star, the Evening Standard described Back To Black as a 'poor, poor piece of filmmaking' by reviewer Hamish Macbain.

He wrote: 'This is a film that does not paint a nice or fair picture of her as a human, nor get across how special an artist she was. The final scene, in particular, with its completely and utterly baseless, sensationalist implications, made me physically gasp in horror.'

The Daily Mail's Peter Hoskin also gave the movie one star and criticised filmmakers for rushing through key details of Amy's life. 

He wrote: 'All of the usual sins of biopics are committed here – only more so. We rush so quickly from Winehouse's becardiganed early years to her mid-noughties pomp to her alcohol-induced demise that we barely get to know her and those around her.

'Instead: a rapid tick-box exercise. Her dad Mitch (Eddie Marsan) driving a black cab? Check. Drinks in the Dublin Castle in Camden? Check. 

'An origin story for the beehive? Ugh. Check. Even the death of Winehouse's beloved grandmother, Cynthia – played with grace and wit by Lesley Manville, in by far the film's best performance – is merely a shot or two in yet another lazy montage.'

The Independent also slammed Back To Black as 'cringe-worthy' and melodramatic.

Reviewer Charlotte O'Sullivan felt the film didn't delve enough into the darker aspects of Amy's life, writing: 'Back to Black is a fitfully enjoyable little package that will do wonders for the careers of Abela and O’Connell. But unlike Winehouse’s oeuvre, it’s not worth taking seriously. It’s just too afraid of the dark.' 

Reception wasn't entirely negative however as The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw said the biopic is Sam Taylor-Johnson's 'best work yet' and called it a 'warm, heartfelt' dramatisation of Amy's life.

On lead actress Marisa Abela, he wrote: 'There's a thoroughly engaging and sweet-natured performance from Marisa Abela as Amy - though arguably taking the roudger edges off. 

'The only time Abela is less than persuaisve is when she has to get on a fight on the North London streets of Camden.'

The Sun's Dulcie Pearce also gave the film a positive assessment, but felt the first 15 minutes offered little more than a 'rose-tinted' version of the Winehouse family. 

She wrote: 'From girl-next-door to drug-addicted superstar, she does a sterling job of the complicated character. Many fans were concerned about her singing, but it is spot on. 

'Blake Fielder-Civil, by Jack O’Connell, is dealt with sensitively as a fellow lost soul.'

She also praised Eddie Marsan's performance as Amy's father Mitch, saying he comes across as a 'descent dad'. 

Variety's Owen Gleiberman also gave the film a positive review, calling it 'forthright and compelling'.

He wrote: 'The film’s snaky on-and-off power begins with the British actor Marisa Abela, whose lead performance nails Amy Winehouse in every look, mood, utterance, and musical expression.' 

The Hollywood Reporter gave an overall positive assessment, however they felt Marisa's singing voice was 'auto-tuned up the wazoo'. 

Reviewer Leslie Felpernin praised director Sam Taylor-Johnson, writing: 'Abela and O’Connell’s fissile chemistry together is a reminder that despite the tackiness of 50 Shades Of Grey‘s soft porn, Taylor-Johnson has a knack for evoking erotic longing — especially that of women looking at men.' 

The positive assessment is in stark

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