‘SONG SUNG BLUE’ Rated PG-13
Just in time for the height of the holiday season, the musical drama “Song Sung Blue” being released on Christmas Day does not necessarily make it a “Christmas movie” but the compelling story of a musical act experiencing success as well as heartbreak to overcome hardship seems fitting for the time.
The musical journey of Milwaukee husband and wife Mike and Claire Sardina (Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, respectively), when they form a Neil Diamond tribute band, is an incredibly moving love story of the unpredictable joys and sorrows for the challenges they must face.
What adds to the fascination of “Song Sung Blue” is that it is based on a true story that came to the attention of writer and director Craig Brewer when he saw the 2008 documentary of the same title about the working-class couple who underwent pain and loss in their lives but found love and salvation in singing.
At its core, as Craig Brewer reportedly observes in the press notes, “Song Sung Blue” is about rooting “for underdogs because their struggle is our song. We need to see real people triumph over adversity – not just superheroes in capes.”
A recovering alcoholic and Vietnam vet, Mike is a small-time musician on the gigging circuit. He moonlights as an auto mechanic to support what he really loves most, performing in dive bars, carnivals and restaurants, even before an unresponsive audience.
A single mom to teenager Rachel (Ella Anderson) and precocious adolescent Dayna (Hudson Hensley), Claire makes ends meet as a hairdresser but suffers periods of depression that are alleviated to some extent by honing her skills as a singer.
Also divorced, Mike’s teenaged daughter Angelina (singer-songwriter King Princess), who is from Florida where she lives with her mother, ends up bonding with Rachel after sharing a joint.
Mike and Claire meet at the Wisconsin State Fair as part of the entertainment for a Legends tribute to artists ranging from Elvis and Barbra Streisand to Willie Nelson and Buddy Holly, the latter being portrayed by Michael Imperioli’s Mark Shurilla, the event promoter.
With this group of impersonators, Mike is tasked with going on the show as Don Ho, the Hawaiian pop musician, to sing his best-known song “Tiny Bubbles.” Rebelling at the thought of debasing himself to sing a shopworn classic, Mike abruptly quits the show.
However, Mike is intrigued by Claire’s impersonation of country and western legend Patsy Cline and proceeds to exchange banter that soon inevitably leads to a fast romance and marriage. For her part, Claire wants Mike to perform Neil Diamond songs.
Sporting long hair and a sparkling overcoat, Mike insists on his rock persona of “Lightning,” and lets it be known that he’s not a Neil Diamond impersonator. He prefers to be referred to as a “Neil Diamond interpreter;” a distinction that’s mainly semantics.
As Mike and Claire kick around ideas for their musical act, Mike suggests that his partner take on the moniker of Thunder to his Lightning and thus is born the “Lightning & Thunder” tribute band backed up by musicians known as The Esquires.
Show promoter Mark Shurilla joins them on guitar, as he decides that impersonating Buddy Holly, who died at the age of 22, is a hard act to keep up when one is already thirty years older.
Mike’s dentist, Dr. Dave Watson (Fisher Stevens), serves as the band manager, for what looks like pro bono work that’s only reward is being part of the music scene. Meanwhile, show booker Tom D’Amato (Jim Belushi) promises gigs at casinos.
An engagement at a venue for motorhome enthusiasts turns disastrous when the audience turns out to be bikers, who could care less about a rendition of “Sweet Caroline” as they probably want to hear Guns N’ Roses or Black Sabbath.
Not a fan of heavy metal or rebellious anthems, Mike insists on starting an engagement with the soulful, mystical Neil Diamond song “Soolaimon,” a spiritual mantra that’s not exactly what the audience is expecting as the opener.
Nevertheless, Lightning & Thunder perform on the Midwest circuit and develop a following that leads to a big break when Eddie Vedder (John Beckwith) reaches out with a request for them to be the opening act for Pearl Jam in Milwaukee.
While their career is taking off, sudden tragedy strikes in a horrific accident that sidelines Claire, who sinks to a level of despair affecting her mental health. Just to keep things going, Mike sings and host karaoke nights at a family restaurant.
“Song Sung Blue” turns into a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, with Claire eventually returning to the fold for a big reunion concert, only to find that Mike has his share of physical problems consistent with a heart condition.
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson have great chemistry, which shines with the revelatory power of their characters’ love for music and each other. Appreciation of Neil Diamond’s repertoire is a bonus for this musical tribute.
Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.
