At times, you simply crave a heartwarming film as well as an emotional tearjerker, and writer/director Craig Brewer provides both with Song Sung Blue.
Taking its name from the Neil Diamond tune, this drama doesn’t tread the same path as A Complete Unknown or Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere. Rather than being a biographical account about the American singer-songwriter behind “America” and “Sweet Caroline,” Brewer delves into the impact of Diamond’s music through the extraordinary tale of the tribute band called Lightning and Thunder.
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson portray this musical married duo, known offstage as Mike and Claire Sardina. Their love for one another is as profound as their passion for Diamond’s music. It’s fitting that their remarkable journey is filled with the emotional peaks and valleys reminiscent of some of his most cherished tracks.
What is Song Sung Blue centered on?
In Milwaukee, Mike Sardina (Jackman) and Claire Stengl (Hudson) make their living as celebrity impersonators at county fairs and local bars. Performing separately in a worn variety show, they aspire to create something thrilling together. For them, a single memorable date leads to an impromptu jam session, a wedding, and a lifelong creative collaboration.
Song Sung Blue chronicles their journey from their serendipitous first meeting backstage, through their musical romance, co-parenting their children from previous relationships, and forming a tribute band that allows them to feel like rock stars while they infuse new life into Diamond’s discography.
The focus of the film is predominantly on Mike (who prefers to be known as Lightning) and Claire, showcasing their romantic highs and somber lows — including a devastating freak accident that injures her, jeopardizing their band for good. Brewer weaves in a poignant subplot about the growing bond between step-siblings Angela (King Princess) and Rachel (Ella Anderson). Beyond that, Lightning and Thunder’s family and narrative expand to encompass their coworkers and band members, creating a vibrant tapestry of characters that illuminate the movie’s darker aspects with light and humor.
Kate Hudson is truly remarkable in Song Sung Blue.
Throughout much of her career, Hudson has portrayed various versions of the enchanting girl, in films such as 200 Cigarettes, Almost Famous, How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days, and a host of other romantic comedies. Blonde, lively, and clever, she exudes an everlasting youthfulness and brilliance, even when facing adversity or a cheeky man-child. In Song Sung Blue, Hudson takes on a more mature character while still radiating a unique glow.
Claire is not a glamorous party girl or an elegant city socialite. She’s a middle-aged mother of two who adores Patsy Cline’s music and enjoys wearing sequins. In this role, Hudson is luminous, embodying the charm of small-town women who might lack designer attire but shine effortlessly. As she pours her heart into her singing, her cheeks flush with color due to her wide smile. Her eyes gleam alongside her knitwear. And her Midwestern accent adds the finishing touch. Hudson portrays Claire not as a mere fantasy of womanhood, but as a genuine woman. I recognized her. I was raised among women like this, who faced tremendous hardship yet repeatedly chose joy. They were courageous and loving, and sometimes heartbroken. That is the essence of Song Sung Blue.
Kudos to Brewer; he allows this uplifting narrative to delve into genuine darkness, as Claire’s accident threatens to extinguish her inner spark. Burdened by pain, self-doubt, and fury, Claire becomes unrecognizable to her husband and children. Through this turmoil, we observe a marriage strained to its limits. Yet, sometimes, it is a mutual passion that can rescue us. For the Sardinas, that passion was Neil Diamond.
There’s sophistication in that, as Diamond’s songs spin bittersweet tales, but what strikes a chord with us are the choruses that resonate with such jubilant joy that people across a bar will join in with “Bah bah bah!” Good times have never felt as delightful, indeed.
Hugh Jackman delivers a bold performance in Song Sung Blue.
While I quickly connected with Hudson’s Claire, Jackman’s Lightning took a bit more time to win me over. Admittedly, during the first act, I found his bravado somewhat off-putting. Lightning is a celebrity impersonator with the attitude of a rock star and the