Neil Diamond's music fuels a heartfelt story of love, loss, and legacy
If you were alive in the 1970s and '80s, you probably consider Song Sung Blue to be a tribute-worthy celebration of Neil Diamond's music. If you were in college in the 1990s or 2000s, you probably knew the lyrics to one of Neil Diamond's famous hit songs, "Sweet Caroline". If you were born after 2005, chances are you have no idea who Neil Diamond is, but no, he is not Paul Anka (you probably have no idea who he is either, unless you are Canadian). Neil Diamond was a chart-topping singer in the '70s and '80s who gave us a number of classic hits. *Song Sung Blue* highlights Diamond's hit songs as seen through the eyes of a tribute band from Detroit.
Michael Sardina (played by Hugh Jackman, known for Deadpool and Wolverine) was a Milwaukee-based musician who earned money by performing as other artists. His nickname was Lightning, and he loved Neil Diamond's music. At a local fair, he met Claire (Kate Hudson; How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days) when she performed as Patsy Cline. Initially, Claire offered to help Mike put together his tribute band, but as they started working together, they became a team... "Lightning and Thunder" and gained a local following. Eventually, they got married, although their lives together had some ups and downs, until Mike passed away in 2006.
Writer/Director Craig Brewer focuses his efforts on highlighting Mike and Claire's story while Neil Diamond's music becomes a third character in the film. His choice of lighting and camera angles definitely makes the movie more interesting than a normal biopic, as lights bounce off Mike's vests like "diamonds" (pun intended). His casting is spot on with Jackman and Hudson playing Mike and Claire, who "shine" (once again, pun intended) as these musicians. (Who knew Hudson could sing that well?!?) And she and Jackman have some terrific onscreen chemistry, which helps move the plot along nicely.
The technical aspects of the film are excellent. The video quality is outstanding with incredible color saturation and sharp details down to every sequin on Jackman's vests or Hudson's dresses. Regardless of whether the scene is taking place outside in daylight or inside a bar at night, the picture quality is clean with an array of hues from across the color palette.
Of course, with a film such as this one, the audio quality has to be superb, and the digital version of *Song Sung Blue* doesn't disappoint in that arena. Each instrument is easily heard by the naked ear, even as the melodies mix together in sweet harmony. The dialog is easy to understand, and ambient sounds emanate from all the surround speakers.
There are a few interesting extras included with the digital download that are worth watching at least once. The extras include Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Craig Brewer, Extended Performances (Crunchy Granola Suite and Sweet Caroline), One Plus One Equals Three, Lightning in a Bottle, and Eye for Style.
With the music of Neil Diamond and the acting talents of Jackman and Hudson, *Song Sung Blue* would have been entertaining to say the least, but to offer such an interesting story, based on true events, makes the film even more enjoyable. Mike and Claire are unique characters brought to life by Jackman and Hudson, and their tale is about triumph over tragedy, which we can all use a little of these days. Add in some fun, hand-clapping music, and you have an entertaining two hours.
Available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home (Vudu) to purchase ($25) or rent ($20), this one is perfect for all Jackman, Hudson, and, of course, Neil Diamond fans out there.
Grade: B
Bonus: FlickDirect readers can also enter to win a digital code to watch Song Sung Blue at home. Enter the giveaway here.
