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.
Soon he finds he is a damn good substitute for Diamond (Jackman doing a Risky Business-like routine in his underwear seals the deal), their harmony -personally and on stage- clicks with a lovely rendition of “Play Me” , leading to local gigs and increasing notoriety in Milwaukee and environs. Joined by a back up band including Mark Shurilla (Michael Imperioli) who was a Buddy Holly impersonator who plays a mean guitar; and soon a manager, Tom D’Amato (a perfect Jim Belushi), this Diamond tribute act reaches the heights locally, even opening for Pearl Jam’s Wisconsin dates with Mike duetting with Eddie Vedder (John Beckwith) on “Forever In Blue Jeans” (yes, that really happened). They are starting to live their version of the American dream. Life is good, until it isn’t. The movie’s overall joyous tone – the love story of two people finding each other for another shot at happiness and a family coming together -changes tragically for both of them, most urgently for the ever optimistic Claire.
That Brewer never loses the delicate tone of this musical comedy/drama is a miracle itself. You will find yourself asking at more than one point, “could this have really happened?”, but ultimately Song Sung Blue is not just about a tribute to Neil Diamond, but to the resilience of the humans at the center of it all. Fortunately the film also has two ever-appealing and relatable stars knocking it out of the park – musically and dramatically. Jackman, complete with Diamond-style hair, is as good as he has ever been playing a complicated guy who finds his groove in the music of an iconic singer. It isn’t easy being such a recognizable star impersonating a man impersonating an equally recognizable star, but Jackman gives him edge and likability so we are with him all the way. His Diamond vocals are flawless. As for Hudson, she is simply sensational in her best screen role since her Oscar nominated and Golden Globe winning turn as the inimitable Penny Lane in 2000’s Almost Famous. As comfortable musically as she is with the heavy dramatics the role requires, her Claire will break your heart. Anderson and Hensley are ideally cast as the kids, and King Princess as Mike’s daughter Angelina is also fine. Imperioli also scores as that Buddy Holly guy turned key guitarist, and Mustafa Shakir gets smiles as a James Brown doppleganger, Sex Machine.
Song Sung Blue is an apt Diamond tune to title this film that doesn’t shy away from showing the curves life can throw at us, but this story of two good souls finding love and Sweet Caroline together is no mere impersonation itself. It is, in fact, about as real, emotional, and unpredictable as life can sometimes get.
Producers are Brewer, John Davis, and John Fox.
