Song Sung Blue Review: Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson Keep the Music Playing

Song Sng Blue is a musical setup that promises a good time.

While Craig Brewer’s ‘Song Sung Blue’ is a biographical story about a Neil Diamond tribute band, it’s also in itself a tribute to those who aren’t afraid to pursue their hobbies or passions, even when those around you encourage you to pack it up. While the emotional story can teeter on melodrama at times, ‘Song Sung Blue’ is sure to be a family crowd-pleaser this holiday season.

Lightning Meets Thunder and Finds a New Dream

Mike Sardina (Hugh Jackman) – or Lightning, as he prefers to be called – is a performer who specializes in musician impersonations, playing regularly with other impersonators at bars or county fairs. Right as Lightning faces a breaking point, he meets a Patsy Cline impersonator, Claire Sadina (Kate Hudson), who encourages him to pursue his own dream show: a tribute to Neil Diamond.

A Rising Act With Real-Life Wrenches

Mike and Claire become Lightning & Thunder and start gaining traction in Minnesota with their popular show. However, life, as is typical in dramas of this caliber, throws unexpected wrenches into their quest for success.

The film is based on Greg Kohs’ documentary of the same name, which chronicles the ups and downs of the real Mike and Claire Sardina’s lives. Craig Brewer’s dramatic recreation provides a fairly accurate portrayal of the Sardinas’ lives, but with a flair that borders on ham.

The Tonal Shift That Throws Off the Groove

A major true event in the film’s middle brings everything to an abrupt halt. While I can’t fault the filmmaker for depicting real events, the distracting tonal shift undermines an otherwise smooth experience.

Hugh Jackman Brings Grit and Showman Energy

These events are brought to life with two wonderful performances. Mike is a performer through and through. Who better to embody that than Hugh Jackman, one of our greatest showmen? Jackman captures Mike’s grit and determination offstage while channeling the charm and gusto of an artist, delivering a show of a lifetime regardless of venue size.

Kate Hudson Delivers the Film’s Heart and Best Surprise

While Jackman anchors the film, Kate Hudson is its heart as Claire Sardina. Not only does she nail the Milwaukee accent with scary accuracy, but she also gracefully captures Claire’s struggles and tragedies. Hudson hasn’t given a performance this good in years, so it’s great to see her have a moment.

The Neil Diamond Songs: More Than Just Sweet Caroline

If you love Neil Diamond’s music, you won’t be disappointed. Jackman and Hudson perform spectacularly and avoid just repeating ‘Sweet Caroline.’ The film features a funny recurring bit: Jackman’s character resists singing ‘Sweet Caroline’—he prefers to showcase Diamond’s other hits. When the song finally appears, it’s a fun moment.

Verdict

With its dramatic and tonal ups and downs, ‘Song Sung Blue’ still manages to be a crowd-pleaser. While Jackman is reliably great, Hudson delivers one of her best performances. Rarely do we get these types of movies as often as I’d like.

Opens in theaters on December 25th.