Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman are in complete harmony as a scrappy Milwaukee couple who built a career ‘interpreting” the songs of Neil Diamond in this tribute to the pop music idol. Hudson, already nominated for a Golden Globe for her role, shows off her talent as a singer as well as an actor. She even speaks with a realistic Wisconsin/Minnesota accent validating her character. Jackman shows us why he is a star in movies and on Broadway. Here, he is committed, not as the greatest singer, but with a Neil Diamond-like lilt. His musical phrasing and delivery enhances his dedicated characterization in this film.
Song Sung Blue is Memphis Director Craig Brewer’s 7th feature film. He’s known for Hustle & Flow the remake of Footloose plus Eddie Murphy movies, Dolemite Is My Name and Coming 2 America. The Director based this one on the documentary of the same name recounting the love story between Mike Sardina (Jackman) and Claire Sardina (Hudson) who first met as impersonators of big name music stars at shows and fairs in the Midwest.
Credit to Brewer for letting Jackman and Hudson sing complete songs from the Diamond catalog in this film instead of just snippets. The only downside is that it adds a little too much to the run time. Brewer uses longtime creative partners, editor Billy Fox, cinematographer Amy Vincent, and, Memphis musician Scott Bomar, who composed the score. They do a good job integrating the music in the film.
Hudson and Jackman are cute and have chemistry working together as Mike and Claire’s romance develops. Rehearsals and backstage scenes trying to come up with an act to make a name for themselves shows themn working on performing Neil Diamond’s sound and rapport with the audience. They call themselves Lightning for Mike, and Thunder for Claire, discovering what they offer each other in love as well as on stage. presence. Tom D’Amato (Jim Belushi ) and Dave Watson (Fisher Stevens ) become co-managers getting them steady work and you see what they were up against in the business.
Everything seems to be going so well playing more dates and becoming known. Even Pearl Jam headliner Eddie Vedder (John Beckwith) booked them as an opening act, which really put them on the map. Just as everything was looking rosy with their bookings, their kids from previous marriages getting along. Rachel Cartwright (Ella Anderson) with Dayna Cartwright (Hudson Hensley) is daughter and son from Claire’s 1st marriage. And there’s Mike’s stepdaughter, King Princess (Angelina Sardina) from his 1st marriage. They become a tight family.
Then, sudden tragedy strikes, derailing everything. Cinematographer Amy Vincent (Eve’s Bayou, Hustle and Flow) does a credible job capturing the performances of the couple, but also the peaceful scene in the yard at home that suddenly turns horrific with a speeding car coming out of nowhere. Claire is severely injured which changes their lives dramatically, mentally and physically. Both have to come to terms with their new depressing reality. They lived to perform together, and it takes healing and the kids’ help to get them back on track after being stopped cold.
As they start performing again, managers Tom and Dave get them booked to play an alternate concert in Milwaukee which sells out the same night Neil Diamond himself is performing at a different big venue. Diamond surprises Mike and Claire, wanting to meet them at his favorite custard stand in Milwaukee after both their concerts. But there’s one more shocking, life-changing, event.
Claire Sardina continues to perform today. And Neil Diamond gave his blessing to this film meeting with Hudson, even doing some karaoke with Jackman. Brewer puts Jackman and Hudson on tap making music together in a dramatic story. Sappy at times about a talented couple we might never have known. But Lightning and Thunder had a moment in the sun in tribute to Neil Diamond. Touching me, Touching you.
Focus Features 2 hours 13 minutes PG-13
