By Marc S. Sanders
Films that are based on true stories will always take theatrical liberties with the storytelling. Look at Oliver Stone’s JFK. Sometimes, if it is so skewed you absolutely should not approve of it. Consider Bowling For Columbine which starts out with an offensive, bold-faced lie to draw you in.
On other occasions, the alterations made justifiably serve the picture to obtain an emotional reach from the audience. Craig Brewer wrote and directed Song Sung Blue, which he calls an incredible true story. The set ups seem too perfect to convince me some of these events actually happened. However, the major highlights ring absolutely authentic and with an entertaining pair like Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson leading the picture, this is a magnificent experience. The audience I saw it with on Christmas Day was so wrapped in what was put on screen, with organic comedy, tragic setbacks and toe tapping harmonized energy from the two actors doing outstanding “impressionism” of Grammy winning singer Neil Diamond.
Mike and Claire Sardina (Jackman and Hudson) meet while working as tribute performers at a local fair. She’s doing Patsy Cline. He’s refusing to be Don Ho. They quickly fall in love, like literally on the next night after they meet, and brainstorm with his guitar and her piano how they can become a musical act on their own. Mike wants to emulate someone that lives up to his energy and persona. He declares to an AA group that he’s a “superhero of music.” He’s Lightning. She’s Thunder. Claire thinks Neil Diamond is the perfect facade. Mike agrees so long as the unfavorable “Suleman” opens their shows, and they resort to other numbers besides “Sweet Caroline.”
Soon they are married while his daughter Angelina (King Princess) befriends her daughter Rachel (Ella Anderson). Her son Dana (Hudson Henley) takes to video recording their performances. One happy, blended family.
Like most musician biographies, Lightning and Thunder get off to a rocky start performing in seedy venues with audiences who would rather they play Lynyrd Skynyrd. Naturally, a following and a stride eventually build, and the act is somehow opening for a popular grunge band from the 1990s. I won’t spoil who it is because Mike and Claire never heard of this headliner. This delivers a great gag.
Song Sung Blue is a warm comfortable journey through its first act. It’s hard not to love anyone occupying this picture, including supporting turns from Michael Imperioli, Fisher Stevens and an unrecognizable Jim Belushi. Once you’re settled into the story the dramatic weight of the piece enters, and it becomes heartbreaking for Lightning and Thunder. Only after this unexpected change is introduced does the need for triumph work as the story’s conflict, and there is a lot to contend with for the couple, and particularly Rachel.
These characters are so likable that you’re apt to feel proud of them and Brewer does good work at showing the struggle. Kate Hudson, with a Midwest accent, is especially effective. She goes from offering a welcome personality to being cold, bitter and angry. I wouldn’t object if she got an Oscar nomination.
Hugh Jackman is a magnificent entertainer. Unlike his Wolverine films, his real age with wrinkles and grey hair deliver a twenty-year sober alcoholic living with a chronic health issue. However, Mike has an unstoppable drive of positivity through music with a microphone, a strumming guitar, and his flowing hair to compliment his colorful and sparkled stage outfits. Brewer allows room for Lightning’s weaknesses, both physically and mentally.
There’s a nice balance of both characters at the top of their game as well as far beneath the bottom rung of the ladder.
Song Sung Blue is very absorbing in the moment. Only after I walked out did I question some of the set ups and wonder if certain events truly happened as assembled into the final edit. I’m skeptical if the conclusion for one character truly played out like it did. It’s just too neatly wrapped up like a Hallmark film or a soap opera episode. That being said, the manipulations worked on me and the audience. So, why should it bother us?
A twisted irony also happens though, which I had no choice but to believe. It’s just simply too outrageous that Craig Brewer would work it into this story if it wasn’t true. My wife exclaimed “No way! You’ve got to be kidding me!” Without knowing anything about the real Mike and Claire or seeing the documentary film this picture is based on, my gut insists this has got to be true and a reason why Song Sung Blue merits a movie presentation featuring two Oscar nominated actors.
When you see Song Sung Blue I urge not to frown on the film if you notice some of the truths are stretched a little. Instead, absorb the outstanding performances of Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson doing electrifying interpretations of Neil Diamond’s collection of hit songs including “Better In Blue Jeans” and of course “Sweet Caroline.”
Song Sung Blue is marvelous entertainment.
2 UNPAID MOVIE CRITICS!!!! 