My wife and I saw the new movie “Song Sung Blue” starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. The movie focuses on a true story about a couple that has a Neil Diamond tribute band in Wisconsin. We both love Neil Diamond, but the movie is more about their story, with the music serving as the key background context. Both actors sang their parts quite well. It made us realize how even better Diamond’s songs are when sung as in harmonized duet and with a woman’s voice.
Here is a quick overview of the movie from an AI search summary: “Song Sung Blue is based on the true story of a real-life Milwaukee couple, Mike and Claire Sardina, who performed as the Neil Diamond tribute band “Lightning & Thunder,” chronicling their love, struggles, and musical journey, including a tragic accident and Mike’s eventual passing, with some dramatic license taken for the film. The film draws inspiration from a 2008 documentary about the couple and incorporates real events, like their opening for Pearl Jam and Eddie Vedder.”
Ella Anderson plays Claire’s daughter Rachel, Hudson Hensley plays her son Dayna and King Princess plays his daughter Angelina, who all have important roles in the film. Key parts are played by Jim Belushi, Fisher Stevens, Michael Imperioli and Mustafa Shakir. The building relationship between Mike and his children (and them among themselves) is a key part that of the movie, especially with some of the hurdles they faced.
Hudson, though, steals the show. She does such a magnificent job as Claire that it would not surprise me for her to get some award nominations. The onscreen chemistry between the two leads is very believable and makes the movie rise above a few cheesy parts. Anderson does a terrific job as Rachel who has to grow up fast. The Rotten Tomatoes rating is 75, which seems about right. Do bring some tissue as you will need it. The music is beautiful especially when they sing “Play me” while rehearsing alone. “Holly Holy” is lovely as is Hudson singing a few Patsy Cline songs.
Give it a watch. By the way, the whole movie theater was packed on the day after Christmas with all the new movies out. Our particular theater only had a couple of open seats. It was nice to see that for a change.
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