Neil Diamond. Hugh Jackman. Kate Hudson. Song Sung Blue shouldn’t work. But somehow, it does. Here’s our review. In a new world where the next movie review you read is as likely to have been penned by an AI machine as it has a human, it pays to be wary of who’s sharing their opinions. ... Song Sung Blue review | Hugh Jackman and his wig have some Neil Diamond songs for you
Neil Diamond. Hugh Jackman. Kate Hudson. Song Sung Blue shouldn’t work. But somehow, it does. Here’s our review.
In a new world where the next movie review you read is as likely to have been penned by an AI machine as it has a human, it pays to be wary of who’s sharing their opinions. I certainly wouldn’t trust me. Films are, by their very nature, subjective, and someone’s view is inevitably swayed to some degree both by what they bring to a movie, and the circumstances around which they watch it.
An example. It took me three runs to understand and appreciate that Mission: Impossible – Fallout was brilliant. It is, and I wasn’t, but it was the first big movie I saw to review after the loss of my mum. My head wasn’t right. It’s why I didn’t review Zootropolis 2 a few weeks ago as well. The first film I saw to cover after the passing of my dad, and I didn’t in the slightest trust myself.
It’s into that febrile ecosystem then that I present some entirely unreliable words on Craig Brewer’s new movie, Song Sung Blue. I’m already one to mark on the naughty list where Brewer is concerned, because I thought his remake of Footloose was pretty damn solid. See what I mean? Who is the lunatic?
Song Sung Blue, then, is the story of a tribute act singer by the name of Mike – aka ‘Lightning’ – who adores the music of Neil Diamond. As my parents did, and I grew up in a house surrounded by it. Unreliable reviewer, chums, unreliable reviewer.
He, in turn, is played by Hugh Jackman, sporting a wig so notable I’m going to give it a name of its own. Let’s call it Bernie. Reluctant to sing Diamond’s songs, Hugh and Bernie soon team up with Kate Hudson’s Claire – ‘Thunder’ – and this unlocks something in both of them. They form a Neil Diamond tribute show, and by around half way through the film, I think I’m watching a genial movie with barely any obstacles on it. Right up until the point where, er, I’m not.
No spoilers here, short of to note that Song Sung Blue is based on a true story, and a labour of love documentary of the same name from filmmaker Greg Kohs (which has now popped up in full on YouTube). As such, and what a bizarre criticism this is, there are turns in the story where I’m sat thinking there’s no way that would have happened, only to discover once the credits have rolled that, well, they did.
Craig Brewer – he of Hustle & Flow and Dolemite Is My Name – thus has a job on his hands with the screenplay he penned to keep us onside. The story, after all, has to work within the confines of what we see on the screen, with no foreknowledge. It did for me, but it certainly pushed its luck a little. Again, an odd criticism. The truth very much is stranger than fiction.
But Song Sung Blue finds grounding that helps it. Brewer absolutely embraces the fact that this is a working class story. The tale of two families coming together – both Mike and Claire have daughters from previous relationships – in zero glamour, willing to risk everything they basically don’t have to follow their love of music and performance.
What further works is the casting. Hugh and Bernie are both strong, Kate Hudson excellent. But it’s the supporting ensemble that add weight. It took me a good half hour to realise I’d been watching Jim (James) Belushi in the role of Mike and Claire’s manager, a proper character actor role and performance. Likewise, for 80s movie nerds, Fisher Stevens is a welcome addition, and playing a bit of guitar in the background? That’d be Michael Imperioli, doing a mean Buddy Holly impression.
The standout though is Ella Anderson. I’ve not been familiar with her work to date, but as Claire’s daughter Rachel, hers is a pivotal role in the narrative, and I thought Anderson stole the film. I believed her, I rooted for her, and subsequently appreciate she’s enjoyed success in television. But she’s a film actor. There’s patience and nuance to her performance, and I was hugely impressed by her work.
I was really impressed by the film, too. I got a mix of The Commitments and Sing Street here, with a bit of the grit of 8 Mile. But still, the tone differs from those three. Brewer fully embraces the musical side, zeroing in on a limited number of songs from the Neil Diamond songbook, but chooses to repeat a few numbers rather than play a broad selection of the hits. Yet that’s endemic of what Song Sung Blue isn’t. It’s not a Neil Diamond biopic. It’s not a jukebox musical. It’s about the challenges faced by a working class family, in a world of wood panelling, trying to make ends meet, holding together an instant family, while harnessing their love of music.
This incredibly unreliable reviewer had to go back to watch the film a second time before putting words to screen, pen to paper. And it got me, twice. I thus highly commend the film to you, with the obvious caveat that I might not have the slightest idea what I’m talking about. And I look forward to seeing Bernie accompanying his new master in future film performances.
Song Sung Blue is in UK cinemas now.
