Song Sung Blue

Director: Craig Brewer

Based on the true story of Mike Sardina (Hugh Jackman), a Milwaukee mechanic and recovering alcoholic whose true passion is performing. And Claire (Kate Hudson), a hairdresser, who shares the same love, performing as a Patsy Cline tribute act. When they meet, quickly they hit it off and when Claire encourages Mike to become a Neil Diamond interpreter, not impersonator, they create Lightning and Thunder: A Neil Diamond Experience. They quickly become a hit, drawing bigger crowds and turning their dreams to reality. But a devastating accident shatters everything they’ve built. With their future uncertain, Mike and Claire must find a way to rebuild their lives, rediscover their purpose, and whether their dream is strong enough to survive what life has thrown at them.

Song Sung Blue, is a charming warm hearted film. It’s about love, chasing a dream and doing the things you love with the people you love. It’s feel good and heart wrenching in equal measure, as you are swept along in the lives of its two main characters who you are desperate to see succeed.

The film is helped by excellent central performances from Jackman and Kate Hudson, both utterly believable and hugely engaging in their roles. They are also very well supported, especially from Ella Anderson and King Princess who play Claire and Mike’s daughters.

If there is a criticism, the film feels a little slow and cumbersome as it deals with the initial impact of a life changing event. But that is a minor gripe as it gets back on track as it moves into its final act.

The film is certainly at its best as it works its way through Neil Diamond classics, yes more than Sweet Caroline, but that’s mainly as Jackman and Hudson make such a compelling on screen act.

It’s a feel good story, full of charm, with fine performances and characters you are desperate to see succeed, even if it seems fate has other plans.