The Song Sung Blue Review: A Musical Homage Act Gets a Heartwarming Boost from Hollywood Courtesy of Jackman and Hudson
This film presents a startlingly strange, undeniably entertaining real-life tale from the heartland of the American entertainment world; an endearing hit with its uplifting tone won’t prepare you for how the narrative repeatedly and savagely twists like an unsafe fairground ride. Personally, I found myself shutting my eyes with my jaw agape during several crucial moments, while clutching the seat in front of me with both fists.
The Unbelievable True Tale
The couple Mike and Claire Sardina, superbly portrayed by Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, were a Milwaukee married couple who had children from prior unions who in the 90s created a cheesy homage performance to Neil Diamond called Lightning and Thunder; they grew into a cult hit in their home state and even opened for Pearl Jam, with the band's guitarist Eddie Vedder amiably accompanied them on stage for an additional song.
But things were not easy for them, and this movie contemplates how tough it is when misfortune's bolt strikes more than once.
From Documentary to Drama
It is in fact adapted from an existing documentary bearing the identical name created in 2008 from filmmaker Greg Kohs concerning this surreal reality, a movie that relied extensively on the family's personal collection of home video. It’s fair to say that the documentary puts more emphasis on the delusional and absurd aspects of Mike and Claire’s life.
Yet this is not the approach taken by this movie from director Craig Brewer reinvents their story. 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 appearing strikingly alike. He is entirely believable as an individual not destined for in the big league but who undoubtedly possesses the talent (and the pipes) to headline a performance.
Notable Acting
Hudson is also excellent, doing her own singing in the role of Claire, who prior to partnering with Mike in the Neil Diamond tribute world enjoyed a successful career as Patsy Cline. She is shown belting out Cline numbers, although there is one iconic Cline tune is curiously omitted from this movie.
Michael Imperioli plays a Buddy Holly tribute artist called Mark, and Mustafa Shakir is a James Brown act known as Sex Machine. The role of Claire’s teen daughter Rachel, and King Princess is Mike's daughter Angelina who is around the same age – and their burgeoning friendship serving as another subtle element contributing to the movie's charm.
The Heart of the Story
Sarcasm and mockery have been surgically removed from the account of Mike and Claire's heart-stoppingly eventful life experiences, and in their place Brewer substitutes those attributes that the couple themselves would have recognized: the vulnerability and loneliness involved in striving for success on the fringes of the music industry, or indeed making it anywhere and in any business.
It is a tale of relentless perseverance and its bright hopefulness renders it a rich holiday delight.
Song Sung Blue releases December 25th in the US and January 1st in Australia and the United Kingdom.
