Based on the true tale of Mike “Lightning” Sardina, a recovering alcoholic and self-celebrated musician and his eventual wife Claire “Thunder” Sardina. A couple that mixed their talents, families and dreams together to create a popular Milwaukee Neil Diamond Tribute band. Filled with emotion and personality, we open with Hugh Jackman portraying Mike aka “Lightning”, a man with plans of performing for the masses and providing for his loved one while doing it. Meeting Claire “Thunder”, played by the talented Kate Hudson, we find a woman with kids of her own that too grasps for dreams of the stage. By circumstance, and perhaps kismet, they are drawn to each other.
Combining their talents, the drive of Mike to be “Huge” carries them as they create a band of musicians, and friends, with goals of success and sold-out performances. Starting small, they soon create a following for themselves with the help of Neil Diamond’s songbook. In a moment, their fate changes when a chance to open for a large band gives them hope and a jump-start that may just take them farther than their hometown of Milwaukee. Unfortunately, life hits them horrifically when a drunk driver careens into Claire while she is tending to her flower garden in front of their home. Rushed to the hospital, they assess the damage while also living other dramatic moments in a short window. Recovery is slow in the household as Claire falls into depression and drug dependance, their dreams seemingly dashed in an instant.
“Lightning” won’t perform without “Thunder” states Mike as he takes side jobs and small gigs to pay the household bills. Having been through pain himself and addiction, he trudges forward in hopes that his wife will find her way and allow to be helped. After an intervention, they rekindle their love for each other and hold true the thread of happiness that is performing. Putting the call out , their friends band together once-again to help them aim for the stars.
Reviewing this film is easy and hard, as a fan of Neil Diamond myself. His songs, of which there are many, touch upon so many emotions and moments in every-day life. So I was equally bopping along to the music, and the story. For me, this film had Kate Hudson leading the charge as she delivered raw emotion that truly sings in so many ways. Talking to her after the premiere, she was surprised to think that this was only her second time playing a Mother on-screen. This time though, she delivers a complex and emotional humanity that holds space as one of her top performances ever. Opposite her is Jackman, a musician and performer in so many instances, that to name them completely would require its own article and future documentary. Playing Mike showed not only his talent, but the man that was once a teacher and always a father, willing to connect to children and an audience whenever needed.
Closing out the casting, I should mention some bright lights in the film like Fisher Stevens as a friend/ Dentist/Band Manager, a smiling man that was a wellspring of positivity. Another powerful voice in the film was Jim Belushi, who delivered a bombastic sweetheart, as the friend-promoter who was brimming with life and comedic moments, doing his best, even if he’s not the best at it. Belushi brings a smile with every scene he steps into, giving “Who Needs a Hug” type energy for everyone watching.
Walking out of the World Premiere in Hollywood, my thoughts were that while this film is a musical movie, it’s the love story that really rocks the audience. For those looking for a fun film, Song Sung Blue will fit the bill for many, a film that is human and heartfelt in the key of Neil Diamond.
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While this film is a musical movie, it's the love story that really rocks the audience. For those looking for a fun film, Song Sung Blue will fit the bill for many, a film that is human and heartfelt in the key of Neil Diamond.
