Photo via tvinsider.com
By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
Searching for a feel-good movie to ring in the holiday season that features one of the best feel-good songs of all time? “Song Sung Blue” is based on the true story of a Neil Diamond tribute act that was first developed as a documentary by the same name in 2008. From “Holly Holy” to the karaoke staple of “Sweet Caroline,” the well-performed musical numbers will have you dancing in your seat and grinning ear to ear, while the story will pull on your heartstrings.
As a recovering alcoholic and struggling musician, Mike aka Lightning (Hugh Jackman) never thought he would find success covering Neil Diamond songs. That all changes when he crosses paths with Claire aka Thunder (Kate Hudson), who shares his passion for music and inspires him to form Milwaukee’s premiere Neil Diamond tribute act. A whirlwind, love-at-first-site romance, a quickly expanding fandom, and heart wrenching tragic events depict the rollercoaster nature of the lives of Lightning & Thunder as they avidly pursue their dreams.
Producing a film that focuses on a romantically involved musical duo requires genuine chemistry between its stars, and Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson have that in spades. It’s the kind of natural chemistry that will convince audiences that they’ve been acting together throughout the years, and not just this film. It should come as no surprise that Hugh Jackman has a terrific singing voice, and the Oscar nominee relishes the opportunity to use it to great effect like in “Les Misérables” and “The Greatest Showman.” He not only convincingly conveys the passion and styling of Neil Diamond, but he also performs those songs as a true entertainer. Then he layers his character with remarkable depth, showing this infectious positivity and can-do attitude despite a dark past as a Vietnam combat veteran and alcoholic with an ailing heart. This multifaceted performance provides a realism and likability that is off the charts.
For as how good Jackman is, Kate Hudson is even better, providing possibly the best performance of her career. The joy and love for music she exhibits in her character is real and undeniable with a genuine smile that sparkles with life in her eyes. She not only does her own singing, but she even uses a Wisconsin native accent that makes the sweetness and authenticity in her performance even more palpable. Hudson turns her performance into a mesmerizing one when tragedy strikes her character, showing an understandable slide into darkness and depression that will have viewers’ hearts aching in sympathy. Already a recipient of a Golden Globe nomination for this role, Kate has the opportunity to earn her second Oscar nomination since her iconic performance in 2000’s “Almost Famous.”
Ever since writer/director Craig Brewer saw the 2008 documentary of these two eccentric personalities, he knew he had to make a feature film about it. With a strong reliance on the source material, he remained diligently fastidious in the retelling of their story, ensuring that every major life event depicted in the film is accurate to their real-life story. This level of commitment is important, because some of the outlandish moments shown in the film seem almost absurd. Knowing that these things actually happened to this family makes them hit that much harder. Brewer takes great care to capture the toughness and never-quit mentality of these people, leading to inspirational takeaways for viewers.
From small bar locations to much bigger venues, Brewer captures the Milwaukee music scene very well, which adds even more realistic flavor to the musical performances. He also emphasizes the upbeat tempo and energy of Diamond’s songs, which helps reinforce the positive mood of the film, especially after some sad turning points in the plot. However, Brewer makes the mistake of over-filming the music performances, spending too much time on the stage rather than the more important events of the story, thereby minimizing their impact.
A true story that is as heartfelt as it is inspirational is a truly worthwhile option for the whole family over this holiday season. Exposure to this story will leave you feeling rewarded and will even make you seek out the original documentary upon which it is based. “Song Sung Blue” is the best film made about a Neil Diamond tribute act since “Saving Silverman” in 2001, an underrated and underappreciated comedy. Ironically, two of the stars of that latter film, Jack Black and Steve Zahn, will be starring in “Anaconda,” which also opens up on Christmas Day.
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