Sandy Kenyon reviews documentaries about Amy Winehouse, Nina Simore

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Two documentaries about two music greats are being released this summer, but are they worth your time?

A new documentary about the late singer Amy Winehouse is coming to the screen this week, and "Amy" paints a disturbing picture of the musician's very public fall.

Watching the new film is all the more upsetting because she began with so much talent.

We meet Winehouse at 14, already suffering from depression, and follow her from cult favorite to superstar.

Her story is scary because Winehouse wasn't looking for fame, as the late star confesses, "I don't think I could handle it. I'd probably go mad."

Her prophecy is more than fulfilled with help from her father and her husband, who are the villains of the film, which balances the sleazy side of her story with a true appreciation of her music.

Another great singer, Nina Simone, is the subject of an equally fine documentary.

Simone battled her own demons during a long and complex life as a singer and civil rights activist.

"What Happened, Miss Simone?" takes its title from a line by the poet Maya Angelou, and the film answers the title question in fine fashion.

It's in just a few theaters in New York, but is also available on Netflix.

Both films are tough to watch but are ultimately fascinating and very entertaining.