If Song sung in blue, which had its world premiere as the closing film of AFI Fest, was not a true story that anyone would ever have the courage to tell. The improbable triumphs and unspeakable tragedies of a Milwaukee Neil Diamond tribute band known as Lightning And Thunder may take dramatic liberties (the true story doesn’t) along the way, but the undeniably stunning realities of their story are so astonishing – and all here – that it’s no surprise that director Craig Brewer (Stirring and flow) I found it to be compelling material for a film.
Based on Greg Koh’s 2008 documentary, the story revolves around two aspiring working-class star singers who are basically reduced to being vocal impressionists in neighborhood bars and local clubs where they get up and sing when they’re not doing their day jobs. Mike Sardina (Hugh Jackman) is a divorced Vietnam veteran, recovering alcoholic and mechanic who believes in his musical mojo. Claire Stengl (Kate Hudson) is a single mother of two children, Rachel (Ella Anderson) and Dayna (Hudson Hensley), working as a hairdresser by day, being a good single mother, although she struggles, and acting as a Patsy Cline impersonator many nights. She finds joy in 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 out of love for Claire and perhaps a new life, he continues.
Soon he discovers that he is a very good substitute for Diamond (Jackman doing a Risky Business type routine in his underwear seals the deal), their harmony – personally and on stage – clicking with a beautiful rendition of “Play Me”, leading to local concerts and increasing notoriety in Milwaukee and the surrounding area. Joined by a backup group 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 band reached new heights locally, even opening for Pearl Jam dates in Wisconsin with Mike dueting with Eddie Vedder (John Beckwith) on “Forever In Blue Jeans” (yes, that really happened). They start to live their version of the American dream. Life is beautiful, until it this is not the case. The film’s joyous tone — a love story of two people finding each other for a new chance at happiness and a family reuniting — shifts tragically for both of them, more urgently for the ever-optimistic Claire.
That Brewer never loses the delicate tone of this musical comedy/drama is a miracle in itself. You will repeatedly ask yourself, “Could this really have happened?” “, but in the end Song sung in blue This is not just a tribute to Neil Diamond, but to the resilience of the humans at the center of it all. Fortunately, the film also has two consistently engaging and relatable stars who knock it out of the park – musically and dramatically. Jackman, with his diamond-style hair, is as good as he’s ever been playing a complicated guy who finds his groove in the music of an iconic singer. It’s not easy being such a recognizable star pretending to be a man impersonate an equally recognizable star, but Jackman gives him an edge and likability, so we’re with him all the way. His Diamond voice is impeccable. As for Hudson, she is simply sensational in her best film role since her Oscar nomination and Golden Globe win as the inimitable Penny Lane in the 2000s. Almost famous. As musically comfortable as she is with the heavy dramaturgy that the role demands, her Claire will break your heart. Anderson and Henry are ideally cast as the children, and King Princess, as Mike’s daughter Angelina, is also fine. Imperioli also scores as Buddy Holly’s guy turned key guitarist, and Mustafa Shakir gets smiles as James Brown lookalike Sex Machine.
Song sung in blue is a fitting diamond tune to title this film that doesn’t shy away from showing the curveballs that life can throw at us, but this story of two good souls finding love together and Sweet Caroline is no mere imitation in itself. In fact, it’s about as real, emotional and unpredictable as life can get sometimes.
The producers are Brewer, John Davis and John Fox.
