Song Sung Blue

From alcoholic baseball fans who won't stop singing "Sweet Caroline" even when you tell them to for just one inning to that old guy in your building who still plays and quietly weeps to his cherished vinyl of "The Jazz Singer," except for "Saving Silverman" and that part you generally skip in "The Last Waltz" this is the ultimate film for Neil Diamond fans. As Milwaukee Neil devotee Mike, Hugh Jackman trades his Logan lamb chops for that amazing Neil hairdo you usually only see on Mexican detention officers to sing Diamond's hits with a true showman's devotion; his maniacal, Wolvie-like intensity just makes one wish that proposed 'Klaus Kinski as Wayne Newton' biopic had gotten off the ground. And Kate Hudson with her usual 'entitled python about to devour a litter of kittens' charm just shines as his fellow devotee and wife Claire. They truly are Lightning and Thunder, and they got the way to move me. This is going to be the monster hit of the holidays, and they come to America (only to be shipped right back) for "Song Sung Blue."

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!!!

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!!!!

Much better than your typical "based on a true story" movie. Kate Hudson really delivers an incredible performance adding a palpable extra dimension to her character on screen. Well balanced story telling, character development and a great cast quickly get you engrossed in the story and wishing for more.

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.