This highly entertaining and unique musical story gives both Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson the opportunity to shine in complex character roles. While the theme, script, and direction occasionally feel a bit cheesy, the film ultimately delivers an authentic sense of realism as it explores the struggles of this family and their triumphant connection to music. (Your kids may also become Neil Diamond fans and you will probably find yourself pulling up his greatest hits on you Apple Music account on the drive home from theater.)
The director weaves in several interesting musical and historical elements in this biopic centered on a Neil Diamond impersonator. There is a fair amount of tragedy, a strong dose of well-crafted singing, and a genuine heart at the center of the film-one that has already earned Kate Hudson a Golden Globe nomination.
Somewhat surprisingly, Hudson often outshines Hugh Jackman, which is no small feat. Jackman remains authentic and committed in his singing, though his vocal range isn't as broad as Neil Diamond's, nor as strong as it was in The Greatest Showman. His performance here is more reminiscent of Les Misérables, reaffirming his status as an incredibly versatile singer-actor who brings depth and humanity to the role.
Glad to see this in the theater where the sound and singing come alive fully.
