Sur un Air de Blues

Another mystery movie sneak preview, but going into it I was 99% confident it was going to be Song Sung Blue (secretly I was hoping for Marty Supreme)

And I wasn't jazzed. I didn't know much about the movie, but I knew I really wasn't in the mood for watching Hugh Jackman play Neil Diamond in some biography for two hours and fifteen minutes. I think they even unknowingly played the trailer before, given that it was a mystery, and it just didn't speak to me.

And as the opening credits rolled up came the words "Based on a true story". I scrunched up my nose. Wouldn't a biography be based on a true story? The last time this happened I was watching Twelve Years a Slave thinking it was Frozen.

The opening scene started with Jackman at an AA meeting. I'm thoroughly confused by this point.

It isn't until the second scene when you learn of the tribute band circuit and meet Hudson's spitfire of joy that it all starts to come together

To paraphrase Robert Downey Jr, Hugh Jackman playing a dude impersonating Diamond, I could be down with that.

But that's just the vehicle, the real story is one of love at first sight, fast and true and deep, the kind that utilized their shared passions not only as kindling but also a ladder to the to lift each other up to best of times and a anchor in the excruciating worst. And the beautiful thing is how infectious that love becomes as it heals their broken families in the process. There aren't many punches pulled here, and the fact that it's based on real life events makes it absolutely thrilling to experience.

I definitely caught myself tapping my toes, laughing out loud and gutted to tears in ways I never anticipated. I even had moments where I thought I was supposed to sing out loud. Some people did. Kudos!

So good So good! 8/10

Also, without a spoiler, one of the craziest ''cameos' by another musician that simply has to be seen to be believed.

Unbelievable! If Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson don't receive an Oscar for their performances (or at the very least a nomination), then I've lost faith in the movie community. It really amazes me the talent these two actors have. I was very impressed with the whole movie and very entertained. The music is incredible and even if you don't know Neil Diamond songs, you just might find yourself humming or singing along. And the movie was "clean". No F words flying around, no nudity, no sex (except for a small make-out session - but with underwear on!). I was so pleased with this movie. An absolute gem! GO SEE!!!!

A man, Lightning, and a woman, Thunder, find love and a chance at their dreams in together creating a tribute "experience" to Neil Diamond. They are working class people--and I expect there to be a wink by the filmmakers, a bit of condescension, "isn't this goofy?" tone. There is NO SUCH THING. This is a fun and uplifting and sincere and dramatic and refreshing film. Both Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson have tremendous voices and stage presence galore. Everybody else is great, too. Writer/director Craig Brewer is to be congratulated for turning his vision into great cinema. Great? Great!!!

I'll admit, I walked into the theater with the wrong expectations. I expected a deep dive into the musical genius of Neil Diamond; instead, I was met with a love story that is strikingly real, raw, and human. While the music of Neil Diamond provides the soul of the film, the heart belongs to Mike and Claire Sardina.

Hugh Jackman is electric as the charismatic but haunted Mike "Lightning" Sardina, while Kate Hudson delivers a grounded, beautiful performance as Claire. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it's their portrayal of "Lightning & Thunder" navigating life's cruelest tragedies that truly resonates. This isn't just a movie about a tribute band; it's about a love so fierce it transcends physical and emotional trauma to knit a fractured family together. It's a tear-jerker, yes, but it's also a profound reminder of how one couple's bond can inspire an entire community.

The events in Song Sung Blue really happened. I was there as a fan in the '90's and it was crazy. Crazy fun, crazy entertaining and, off-stage, crazy tragic at times. The real "Lightning and Thunder's" performances were uplifting - you left singing and dancing and in a great mood. The movie brought back that time and feeling.

Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson were mesmerizing. They skillfully captured the spirit of Mike Sardina/Lightning and the still feisty Claire Sardina/Thunder. I had no idea Kate Hudson was so musically talented. The supporting cast nailed it. The director, Craig Brewer, and production team told this complicated and bittersweet story with grit, laughter and energy. I laughed. I cried. I danced in my seat. I am still unapologetically cranking Neil Diamond songs days later and I plan to for a long time (& I'm not a "boomer" but I'm old enough not to care whether someone thinks Neil Diamond music is cool or not) (spoiler - it is!)

Like real life, Song Sung Blue was heartbreaking at times. It was also joyful and inspiring. This couple experienced really high highs and really low lows.

These were "regular people" like most of us. Well... no one is quite like Lightning/Mike or Thunder/Claire... and maybe it's partly because, unlike most of us, despite all the obstacles they faced, they went all-in after their dream. They brought a lot of people joy doing what they loved and if that's not a fulfilling and beautiful life, I don't know what is.

Give this movie a chance (& check out the documentary it's based on, 2008's "Song Sung Blue" - yes, these events really happened). It's hard to explain, you just have to experience it.