Cube Critics discuss ‘Maria’ and ‘Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary’

Cube Critics

Cube Critics Jacob Aloi and Max Sparber discuss a a movie about an opera soprano at the end of her life and a movie about an entire genre of music at the end of its life.

‘Maria’

Angelina Jolie delivers a compelling performance in “Maria,” a biopic about legendary soprano Maria Callas. The film centers on the final week of her life, framed as an imagined documentary crew capturing her swan song.

As Maria grapples with drug addiction and the loss of her voice — the foundation of her identity — the audience is drawn into her fragile psyche. Flashbacks to her tumultuous romance with Aristotle Onassis and encounters with JFK add depth to the narrative.

Though occasionally confusing and slow, the film offers insight into the mind of a performer in crisis. Now in select theaters, it streams on Netflix next week.

Maria trailer

Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary

This documentary dives into the revival of yacht rock, the smooth, jazzy, soulful sound of the 1970s and ‘80s epitomized by artists like Michael McDonald, Steely Dan and Toto.

Featuring interviews with key musicians and session players who defined the genre, the film explores the emotional depth behind the mellow grooves and uncovers fascinating tidbits, such as Christopher Cross writing a hit song on LSD and “Thriller” being essentially a Toto album.

With a mix of nostalgia and humor, “Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary” is a breezy, engaging watch. Now streaming on Max.