Explore the latest developments concerning ‘Song Sung Blue’.
‘Song Sung Blue’ Review: Hugh Jackman And Kate Hudson Make Beautiful Neil Diamond Music In Surprising Biopic Of A Tribute Band – AFI Fest
If Song Sung Blue, which had its World Premiere as the Closing Night film of AFI Fest, weren’t a true story no one would ever have the nerve to make it. The unlikely triumphs and unspeakable tragedies of a Milwaukee Neil Diamond tribute band known as Lightning And Thunder may take some dramatic liberties (what true story doesn’t) along the way but the undeniably jaw-dropping realities of their story are so astonishing – and all here – that it isn’t surprising director Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow) found it irresistible material for a movie.
Based on Greg Koh’s 2008 documentary, the story revolves around a pair of working class wannabe star singers who are basically reduced to being vocal impressionists in dive bars and local clubs where they get up and sing when they aren’t doing their day jobs. Mike Sardina (Hugh Jackman) is a divorced Vietnam vet, recovering alcoholic, and mechanic who believes in his musical mojo. Claire Stengl (Kate Hudson) is a single mom of two, Rachel (Ella Anderson) and Dayna (Hudson Hensley), working as a hairdresser by day, being a good, if struggling single mom, and performing as a Patsy Cline impersonator many nights. She finds joy in the music. Mike is a little more complicated. They discover each other, and at Claire’s suggestion they form a Neil Diamond tribute band with their stage names Lightning and Thunder. Mike really didn’t see this coming but for the love of Claire and maybe a new life he goes along.
Why Kate Hudson Could Be the Oscar Comeback Story of the Year With ‘Song Sung Blue’
There are performances that remind us of what we already know, and then there are performances that shatter our assumptions entirely, forcing us to reckon with a talent we’d somehow managed to underestimate.
Kate Hudson’s turn as Claire Sardinia aka “Thunder” in Craig Brewer’s “Song Sung Blue” belongs emphatically in the latter category. It’s a revelatory piece of acting that announces itself, just like the full-throated power of a Neil Diamond chorus — an impossibly tender and ferocious piece that feels evidently alive.
Having its world premiere at the AFI Film Festival on Sunday, something palpable could be in the air. There’s a collective realization that we might be witnessing the beginning moments of a viable Oscar contender. Hudson channels the raw vulnerability of Reese Witherspoon walking the line in Johnny Cash’s shadow, the physical transformation of Hilary Swank becoming a boxer, the lived-in authenticity of Frances McDormand navigating Fargo’s frozen moral landscape and the star-wattage commitment of Renée Zellweger becoming Roxie Hart. Oh, and with a sprinkle of Lady Gaga’s Ally realizing that she is, in fact, a star that is born. It is, without qualification, the finest work of her career.
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Film Review: 'Song Sung Blue' is a Big Hearted and Winning Musical Love Story with All the Emotions
You have to admire the dedication that a good tribute band has. After all, to do an interpretation of a famous band or musician, one that they must have such respect for, is not easy. It can become their lives, often done for little money. Most toil in obscurity. One such band did not, at least after the documentary Song Sung Blue was made about Neil Diamond tribute band/husband and wife duo, Lightning and Thunder. Their inspirational and tragic love story has now been given the narrative treatment, complete with A-list stars. What could have come off hammy or a bit silly instead remains powerful. Song Sung Blue is a film that sneaks up on you, to the point where I suspect that I won’t be alone in rolling a tear or two before all is said and done.
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