- SONG SUNG BLUE
- Starring: Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson
- Directed by: Craig Brewer
- Rated: PG 13
- Running time: 2 hrs 13 mins
- Focus Features
Our score: 4 out of 5
I can’t remember a time when Neil Diamond wasn’t in my life. This is thanks to my mother, Rose. She loves Neil. No, let me put it another way…she LOVES Neil. She used to say that “Cracklin’ Rosie” was a song about her. She would pay outrageous amounts to make sure she was sitting front row at his concerts. She would make him shirts and have them sent backstage. In a1994 she called me and the first words out of her mouth were, “have you heard? Neil and Marcia are getting divorced!” When I asked who she was talking about, she replied, “Neil Diamond!” I paused a minute and asked, “Mom, did he ask you to marry him?” I should also point out that, while I lived in Baltimore for 13-years, she only came out to visit me twice. Coincidentally, Neil Diamond was in town that same week! If you’ve seen the film “Saving Silverman,” I’ve always maintained that the Jack Black character is based on my mom!
Another big fan was Mike Sardina (Jackman). Billing himself as “Lightning,” Mike played the clubs of Milwaukee as part of a musical tribute act. Elvis is his specialty. When he is bumped from his slot by another singer, Mike decides to go in another direction. After meeting fellow tribute artist Claire (Hudson) – her specialty is Patsy Cline – it is suggested that Mike try sining Neil Diamond songs. Mike is reluctant, at first, because he holds Diamond, and his songs, in such high regard. Eventually he agrees and, after convincing Claire to be part of the act, they bill themselves as “Thunder and Lightning” while presenting the Neil Diamond Experience. Both Mike and Claire have had their share of adversity but nothing has prepared them for what comes next.
Based on a true story (I highly recommend seeing the documentary of the same name), “Song Sung Blue” succeeds mostly on the performances of Jackman and Hudson. We all know Hugh Jackman can sing, but I was blown away by Ms. Hudson’s vocals, though I shouldn’t be too surprised considering her mother is Goldie Hawn, one of the best triple threat performers in film history.
While the music is the highlight, it is the story that pulls the film down some. Without giving too much away, I’ll just say that if there was something that could go wrong for Mike and Claire, it most definitely did. Jackman and Hudson are also buoyed by a great supporting cast, including Michael Imperioli, Fisher Stevens, Ella Anderson and King Princess. And a special shoutout to Jim Belushi, who steals every scene he’s in.
I asked my mom if, having lived about an hour away from Milwaukee for the past 50 years, if she had ever seen “Lightning and Thunder.” Surprisingly, she hadn’t. But I’m sure if she had, she would have been their biggest fan!
On a scale of zero to five I give “Song Sung Blue” ★★★★