The Song Sung Blue Film Review: An Musical Homage Act Receives a Heartwarming Boost from Hollywood Thanks to Jackman and Hudson
This film presents a remarkably odd, undeniably entertaining true-life story from the heartland of the American entertainment world; a lovable crowdpleaser with its uplifting tone won’t prepare you for the way the plot repeatedly and savagely twists similar to a precarious carnival attraction. I actually had myself shutting my eyes with my jaw agape during several crucial moments, and was grabbing the seat in front of me tightly with my hands.
The Unbelievable True Tale
The couple Mike and Claire Sardina, superbly portrayed by Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, were a Milwaukee married couple with kids from previous relationships who in the 90s created a kitschy Neil Diamond tribute act named Lightning and Thunder; they grew into a cult hit in their home state and even performed before Pearl Jam, whose guitarist Eddie Vedder amiably accompanied them during their performance for an additional song.
But things were not easy for them, and this movie contemplates the difficulty that arises when misfortune's bolt strikes more than once.
Adapting a Real Story
The film is actually based on a prior documentary film of the same title from 2008 by Greg Kohs concerning this surreal reality, a film that was extensively on the couple’s family archive of homemade recordings. It’s fair to say that the original documentary focuses more intently on the unrealistic and ridiculous elements in the lives of Mike and Claire.
Yet this is not the approach taken by this movie from director Craig Brewer reimagines their tale. He, Jackman and Hudson turn the laugh-at into laugh-with. Jackman delivers a masterful performance as a Neil Diamond impersonator, sounding almost like him, and looking almost like him. He is entirely believable as someone who isn’t supposed to be in the big league but who undoubtedly possesses the talent (and the pipes) to headline a performance.
Standout Performances
Hudson likewise shines, performing her own vocals as Claire, who before she joined Mike in the world of Neil Diamond homage enjoyed a successful career performing as Patsy Cline. She is shown belting out Cline numbers, even though one particular iconic Cline tune that this film interestingly misses out.
Actor Michael Imperioli portrays a Buddy Holly impersonator named Mark, and Mustafa Shakir is a James Brown performer called Sex Machine. Ella Anderson plays Claire’s teen daughter Rachel, and King Princess is Mike’s daughter Angelina who is around the same age – with their developing friendship is another underplayed aspect contributing to the movie's charm.
The Heart of the Story
Irony and satire have been meticulously excised from the account of Mike and Claire's heart-stoppingly eventful life experiences, and in their place Brewer substitutes those qualities that the couple themselves would have recognized: the vulnerability and loneliness involved in striving for success in the margins of the music industry, or indeed succeeding in any field and in any business.
It is a never-say-die story and its bright hopefulness renders it a rich holiday delight.
The film "Song Sung Blue" releases on 25 December in the United States and January 1st in Australia and the UK.
