Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson shine in this true love story built on a foundation of Neil Diamond hits
Song Sung Blue
Starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson
Directed by Craig Brewer
Rated PG-13
In theaters Thursday, Dec. 25
What, exactly, is a song sung blue? In Neil Diamond’s No. 1 hit single from 1972, it’s a singalong about shared sadness and turning something melancholy into a thing that makes you happy—even if you’re singing it “with a tear in your voice.”
This flick is based on the true story of a husband and wife who performed together as a tribute act, Lightning and Thunder, in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson star as Mike and Claire Sardina, whose story was previously made into a 2008 documentary film with the same title.
The Sardinas were struggling singers—and divorcees with kids—before meeting each other, falling in love, joining forces and becoming a local sensation in Milwaukee, Wisc., harmonizing on Neil Diamond songs at state fairs and other events.
Diamond himself doesn’t appear anywhere, but the movie is built on his musical legacy and best-known hits, anchored by a love story about a couple who cared for each other, loved making music together and became regionally famous doing it. Jackman gets to flex the singing chops he displayed in The Greatest Showman and Les Misérables. Last year, Hudson released her own album, Glorious. Both are pitch perfect in roles that require them to sing, and sing a lot.
“You’re not a Neil Diamond impersonator,” Claire tells Mike, calming his initial intimidation about stepping into the shoes of the hitmaker who wrote The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.” “You’re a Neil Diamond interpreter.”
Music lovers will certainly love watching Jackman and Hudson interpret “Sweet Caroline,” “Cherry, Cherry,” “Play Me,” “Holly, Holy,” “Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show” and “Soolaimon,” a frequently mispronounced favorite of Diamond’s that he often used to open his shows. There are deeper cuts too, like “Crunchy Granola Suite.” And, of course, “Song Sung Blue.”
The movie does a great job of showing a stratum of the music biz that’s, well, a few layers below Taylor Swift…or Neil Diamond. Song Sung Blue effectively depicts the couple’s journey from casinos and barrooms to concert halls (opening for Pearl Jam!). It’s not always smooth ‘n’ easy; Mike works as a backyard mechanic to make ends meet.
And just when the showbiz future starts looking bright, wham—the real world comes crashing in.
Michael Imperioli, Jim Belushi and Fisher Stevens all have supporting roles as Mike’s pals. And as impressive as Jackman and Hudson sound singing, she also does a great job of mastering a Midwestern accent. You’d never guess she grew up in L.A., not on the shoreline of Lake Michigan.
“I’m not a songwriter, I’m not a sex symbol,” Mike tells Claire early in the movie, as their relationship is just beginning to blossom. “I just want to entertain people.”
And Jackson and Grant certainly do that. Song Sung Blue is a Christmastime gem of a musical biopic to lift your holiday spirits, get your toes tapping, and make you smile through the melancholy…even if you don’t know your Neil Diamond from your Neil Sedaka.
—Neil Pond
The Media Tourist 