By Susan Granger
If you’re looking for an uplifting, family-friendly holiday movie, “Song Sung Blue” fits the bill – well, almost. Based on a real-life love story, it has its ups and downs – but Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson are terrific.
The story revolves around exuberant auto mechanic Mike ‘Lightning’ Sardina (Jackman), a Vietnam vet/recovering alcoholic who loves to perform. When he meets hairdresser Claire Stengl (Hudson) at a Wisconsin State Fair ‘Legends’ gig, featuring ‘cover artists,’ he immediately sees the potential for collaboration.
So he invents a tribute act – “Lightning and Thunder: The Neil Diamond Experience” – which catches the attention of Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, who asks them to open for his band when they play a big show in Milwaukee back in the ‘90s.
In addition to the inevitable “Sweet Caroline” sing-alongs, two of their more memorable ‘nostalgic’ numbers include the romantic ballad “Play Me” and the spiritual “Soolaimon.”
Meanwhile, off-stage, they fall in love as Mike’s teenage daughter from a previous marriage Angelina (King Princess) forms a fond connection with Claire’s teenage daughter Rachel (Ella Anderson) and younger son Dayna (Hudson Hensley), eventually establishing a supportive, blended, Midwestern family.
Then, mid-way through the movie, a bizarre accident occurs that changes everything – at least for a while. That’s life, I suppose – as courage and resilience triumph over poverty, addiction and adversity.
Adapting Greg Kohs’ 2008 documentary of the same name, screenwriter/director Craig Brewer (“Hustle and Flow”) casts Michael Imperioli, Jim Belushi and Fisher Stevens in pivotal supporting roles, creating an emotionally resonant crowd-pleaser, one of the best pictures of the year.On the Granger Gauge of 1 to 10, “Song Sung Blue” is an engrossing, entertaining 8, opening on Christmas Day.
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Susan Granger
Westport resident Susan Granger grew up in Hollywood, studied journalism with Pierre Salinger at Mills College and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with highest honors in Journalism. In addition to writing for newspapers and magazines, she has appeared on radio and television as an anchorwoman and movie critic for many years. Read all her reviews at susangranger.com.
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