When I saw the trailers for Song Sung Blue, it looked interesting, especially because of Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. I expected exceptionally good musical performances, especially from Jackman but what I didn’t expect was the emotional roller coaster ride that the story gave us. The film is amazingly joyful and powerful despite the emotional ups and downs. The performances are exceptionally good and it is not only a tribute to the true couple that the film is about but also Neil Diamond.
Song Sung Blue is a biographical musical drama written, co-produced, and directed by Craig Brewer. It is based on the 2008 documentary film of the same name by Greg Kohs. The film starts with us meeting Mike Sardina (Hugh Jackman), who is impersonating Don Ho at an amusement park. Mike is tired of impersonating other people but in the midst of him quitting, he meets Claire (Kate Hudson). The pair get together and she suggests Neil Diamond but instead of impersonating the singer, he decides to create a tribute band, Lightning and Thunder. The pair also fall in love with Mike becoming a father figure to Claire’s daughter, Rachel (Ella Anderson) and her son Dayna (Hudson Hensley). We learn Mike is a recovering alcoholic as well. But as the pair gain fame for their band, tragedy strikes the couple. The pair must find a way to recover and go on but will it be enough? The film also stars King Princess as Angelina, Mike’s daughter, Michael Imperioli as Mark Shurilla, a Buddy Holly impersonator turned guitarist, Mustafa Shakir as a James Brown impersonator, Fisher Stevens as Dave Watson, and Jim Belushi as Tom D’Amato, the band’s manager.
What makes the film so exciting is the emotional ups and downs that Mike and Claire experience. Both love singing and while not easy, want to make a career out of their passion. When they finally create the band, it is joyful and full of music. But what creates the true drama is what happens when tragedy hits. How Mike and Claire figure out how to keep going on and what they need from each other changes. The story does a great job of depicting how the dynamic in the family shifts and how Mike has to figure out a way to support Claire. That roller coaster of emotion is powerful and uplifting even in the worst of times.
The musical performances excel. Hugh Jackman is a great singer but in the film, he really shines, sounding much like Neil Diamond. Kate Hudson is a powerhouse performer as well. The music will get you on the edge of your seat wanting to sing along with the amazing performances. A lot of the music I had heard before but what amazed me were the songs I didn’t know and how much more layered Neil Diamond’s music truly is from what I remembered. The film does a great job not only showing how dedicated Lightning and Thunder were as performers but also shining a light on the music of Neil Diamond.
Hugh Jackman is powerful as Mike Sardino. This is one of his best performances. At first, it seems like he’s a simple man and the movie is just a sweet romantic film but then the film switches into a powerhouse of emotion. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson carry the weight of that emotional shift and the dynamic between them is rich and nuanced. Kate Hudson is incredible and layered as Claire, especially when the pair go through tragedy. The secondary performers, especially Ella Anderson as Rachel, are amazing. Hudson Hensley is incredible as Dayna and the supporting cast are solid in this film. Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman both shine.
While there are slow moments at the beginning of the film, as the film switches to the emotional drama that impacts the lives of Claire and Mike, the movie becomes something beyond a simple drama. It becomes a film about taking chances but also real love, that supports and cares even when things are difficult. I loved the emotional ups and downs even as the film made me cry.
If you are looking for a powerful drama, you can’t overlook Song Sung Blue. It is both joyful and powerful. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson deserve awards for their performances with a solid, amazing supporting cast. The music is amazing and you will learn so much about Neil Diamond. More, you will learn about an amazing band, Lightning and Thunder that was a true tribute to Neil Diamond. You will love this film and cry all at the same time.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 guitars.
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