When Lightning (Hugh Jackman) meets Thunder (Kate Hudson) whilst performing as musical impersonators at the Wisconsin State Fair they hit it off and decide to create a Neil Diamond tribute act. 

Lightning whose actual name is Mike wants to take the stage as himself rather than someone else and eventually quits. Thunder whose actual name is Claire is the one who suggests he tries Neil Diamond as she takes to the stage as Patsy Cline. The spark between them is immediate and they soon fall in love as they become incredibly successful. But tragedy is only around the corner in this true story that rather defies belief. 

The events that follow hit extreme highs and extreme lows and if Song Sung Blue was not based on the real lives of Mike and Claire Sardina I think that many might think the scriptwriters were perhaps pushing melodrama a little too far. The Sardina’s find themselves opening for Pearl Jam one moment and struggling to deal with an horrific and life changing accident the next. 

Personally I loved this one. I think it helps somewhat that Neil Diamond music was one of the artists my parents would listen to when I was growing up. This of course adds a rather large nostalgic effect to what is already a film with huge rollercoasters of emotional highs and lows. It also makes the moments when Mike rails against the fact that all anyone wants to hear is Sweet Caroline particularly amusing! Of course that most famous of songs will appear and they time it for a great moment in the film. 

The bitter sweet emotions work as a result of some wonderful performances from the cast. Kate Hudson is the real standout in the film and her chemistry with Hugh Jackman on and off stage is palpable. Her singing even matches Jackman’s in some of the more emotional songs. But the supporting cast play a really important part in the emotional moments landing. Jim Belushi (whom I have not seen in a film for quite some time), Fisher Stevens and Michael Imperioli play key roles in the management and running of the band whilst Ella Anderson, King Princess and Hudson Hensley play the couple’s children from previous relationships. All of them ensure that Lightning and Thunder’s big dramatic moments land. 

Song Sung Blue may be big on melodrama but with Neil Diamond’s songs as its soundtrack it manages to make the sort of bittersweet feel good movie that will make you feel alive.