Song Sung Blue Is a Crowdpleaser in the Best Way

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With traditional movie audiences dwindling, it’s hard to say what truly appeals to a crowd. But Craig Brewer’s new film, Song Sung Blue, is a genuinely heartwarming crowd-pleaser. Based on a true story, it stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson as Mike and Claire Sardina, a Milwaukee couple who find unexpected success performing as a Neil Diamond tribute act in the 1990s. They even get to open for Pearl Jam! However, their good fortune is abruptly derailed by a sudden accident. While stories of overcoming hardship aren’t new, they remain popular for a reason, and Brewer knows how to tell them without being overly sentimental. Known for his 2005 film Hustle & Flow and a variety of other projects, Brewer has a knack for connecting with audiences. You might occasionally question the premise – a whole movie about a Neil Diamond cover band? – but he skillfully reminds you of what truly matters, both on screen and in life.

Mike, a musician and recovering alcoholic known as Lightning, is struggling to succeed when he meets Claire. He dreams of performing his own music, but is stuck doing tribute acts, like impersonating Don Ho. Claire is also a performer, convincingly portraying Patsy Cline on the tribute circuit. They fall in love, and Claire inspires Mike to rethink his approach. He’s a talented singer of Neil Diamond songs, and she encourages him to not just imitate Diamond, but to offer his own interpretation of the music. This sparks a new act: Claire plays keyboards and provides backup vocals, becoming his “Thunder” to his “Lightning.” Their families begin to blend – Claire has two children, the thoughtful teenager Rachel and her quieter brother Dana, while Mike has a daughter, Angelina, who quickly connects with Rachel. Mike and Claire get married, with Claire looking like a country music star in a tulle-covered western hat. She once told Mike she simply wants a full life – a home, a garden, and even a cat – revealing the core desire of many performers: to connect their inner world with the outside world through their art.

The central conflict in Song Sung Blue initially focuses on Mike’s desire to start their concerts with the powerful, yet understated, song “Soolaimon,” while others believe the audience only wants to hear their hit, “Sweet Caroline.” The story takes a turn when Claire is injured, requiring a long recovery, and she struggles with anger and depression. The film then focuses on Claire, Mike, and her family’s journey to overcome these challenges, and Brewer—who also wrote the script, drawing from Greg Kohs’ 2008 documentary—tells their story of success, hardship, and recovery in a fast-paced and rewarding way.

Some might find Song Sung Blue predictable, but isn’t that comforting sometimes? It’s refreshing to see ordinary people navigate difficulties without constantly being overly optimistic and courageous. As usual, the film’s strength lies with its actors. Hugh Jackman excels at playing a larger-than-life performer – someone who thrives on entertaining and making an impression, even obsessing over details like his hair. But beneath the showmanship, he’s genuinely charismatic and soulful. There’s a particularly touching scene where he records a birthday message marking his sobriety, as he’ll miss his AA meeting due to work. It perfectly captures his lively and kind spirit. Young Dana, who operates the camera, seems to come out of his shell during the recording. This mini-performance ultimately serves as the film’s ending, fitting for this gently heartwarming, yet realistic, story. And perhaps that’s the best kind of feel-good movie – one that acknowledges life’s complexities.

Kate Hudson is the emotional center of Song Sung Blue. While she first became known for lighthearted romantic comedies like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, she’s a much more versatile actress, just like her mother, Goldie Hawn. She’s excellent as the free-spirited Penny Lane in Almost Famous, giving a complex and sympathetic portrayal that redefined the term groupie. And in the wonderfully atmospheric Skeleton Key, she shines as a caring hospice worker investigating the mysteries of a haunted New Orleans house, navigating the film’s twists and turns with grace.

As Claire, the actress looks striking in everyday mom jeans. Hudson’s portrayal of her shows a face that’s fuller and gentler—she appears older, a change we often avoid acknowledging, even when it perfectly captures how people evolve with age. The director creates a beautiful dream sequence in “Song Sung Blue,” clearly inspired by David Lynch. In this dream, Claire, who has been confined to her bedroom for months, confidently takes the stage in a nightclub decorated with shimmering blue tinsel. She wears a sparkling, pastel-colored gown and sings Patsy Cline’s “Sweet Dreams,” subtly dipping her voice on the second word, mirroring Cline’s signature style. This dazzling scene perfectly captures the feeling of overcoming hardship and re-entering the world. Sometimes, a slight imperfection in a performance is exactly what makes it resonate, especially in our imaginations. The challenge is to embrace those vulnerabilities and share them with the world.

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2025-12-25 16:06