Song Sung Blue

By Joanna Langfield

This may not be the happy-go-lucky Neil Diamond salute you might be hoping for, but this musical drama does hit a few real high notes.

Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson step up to the microphones, retelling the story of two local tribute band musicians who join ranks, stardom in their sights. It’s all coming together: the act, the bookings, the take on Diamond’s catalogue. And yes, we’re invited to their wedding. Nice! Well, don’t get too comfy and assume sing along renditions of Sweet Caroline will assure they live happily ever after. Because the rest of the picture doesn’t turn out so sweet. And, while keeping a faithful adaptation of the truth in mind, filmmaker Craig Brewer, who pulled off a similar intent in the terrific Dolemite Is My Name, loses momentum. Yes, the facts are sad. And yes, we feel for Mike and Claire’s plight. But we miss them entertaining us almost as much, it seems, as they eventually admit they miss entertaining us.

Hugh Jackman, who of course knows his way around a song or two, takes pains to bring us a man who is haunted by a difficult past and a, so far, unrequited drive. His Mike is sympathetic and complicated. But it’s Kate Hudson who nails just what this movie needs. Her Claire is a talent just as desperate as Mike, but cushioned and Mid-West relatable. Even when stripped of the fun stuff, Hudson keeps us rooting for her (and Claire’s) success.

One thing, not so small, that truly touched me here is the film’s understanding and appreciation of the performers who play all those local gigs: the fairs, the bars, the restaurants. They may not be household names, but the dedication to their art is just as strong, just as meaningful. Respect.