Craig Brewer converted Greg Kohs's 2008 documentary into narrative form. It immediately starts with Mike Sardina (Hugh Jackman) seemingly being interviewed for another documentary. Shot tightly close by Amy Vincent, the now Oscar-shortlisted cinematographer, he tells us about his life, his passion for music, and even his alcoholism. It's at this point we learn he's at an AA meeting, celebrating his 20th "sober birthday" with a performance of Neil Diamond's titular song.
Mike, a Milwaukee mechanic, is also a cover artist named "Lightning." One night, at the Wisconsin State Fair, Mike is supposed to cover Don Ho, but he'd rather be himself. So, he quits, but not before he meets single mom Claire Stengl (Hudson), who's covering Patsy Cline. Once they get acquainted, they decide to form a Diamond tribute band, Lightning and Thunder. Their careers take off when they open for Pearl Jam, and they eventually marry.
What else happens? Claire gets into a horrendous accident, which leaves her physically and mentally scarred. She and Mike argue a lot as he struggles to find work outside of their act. Her daughter, Rachel (Ella Robinson), gets pregnant, though she's got an adoptive couple on standby. Mike also has a bad heart, and the family's insurance isn't that good. I think that's it.
For the first hour or so, it’s all fun and games as Lightning and Thunder meet, fall in love, and make beautiful music together. It gets buoyant whenever they sing Diamond, from the obvious Sweet Caroline to obscure songs like Play Me, Soolaimon and Holly Holy. The songs are delightful, and Hudson and Jackman are clearly having fun playing together. It's 132- minutes long, and the scenes off-stage may make you feel every second of it.
After the accident, it rushes through all the problems I mentioned above. Claire’s accident - a random car smashes into her while she’s gardening - is legitimately shocking, but Mike having a heart attack at the hospital is a little too much. Granted, this actually happened in real life, but this is the first time we learn of his “jacked up heart.” It only acts up again in another shocking accident. It’s a bit hard to follow, though never tedious, as the dramatics pile up. It doesn’t help that the film, as a whole, condenses the real-life timeline to a few years at most.
So, what about Lightning and Thunder? Well, Jackman is pretty charming as Mike, but that's a given. He lights up on stage, discusses music, or even expresses annoyance over Sweet Caroline. He's got an ego, but he's still humble enough to acknowledge his Thunder, especially near the end. Hudson is pretty enjoyable as Claire, and you'll really feel for her when she's put through the ringer. I already mentioned their electric chemistry, but one of their best scenes off stage is the awkward manner he proposes to her. You'll smile with them and even laugh uneasily when Claire misses another runaway car by seconds.
Let’s meet the supporting cast. Fisher Stevens is fine as Dr. Dave Watson, Mike’s manager and dentist who helped craft his Lightning persona. It dawned on me that Tom D’Amato, Mike’s agent, had a very familiar voice, though only later did I realize it was Jim Belushi. He’s good too, as is Michael Imperioli as fellow impersonator Mark Shurilla. “Sex Machine” (Mustafa Shakir), the James Brown impersonator, is quite fun, but Angelina (King Princess), Mike’s daughter from his first marriage, is just there. She and Rachel become besties, but Rachel’s brother Dayna (Hudson Henley) has far more plot relevance.
That Oscar-shortlisted cinematography is dazzling, but it’s even better with Billy Fox’s editing. There’s the crash, which cuts to black just before impact, but that’s enough to jolt anyone awake. The other accident is quick and brutal, even if the aftermath may befuddle you (it embellishes some details, but it's consistent with the true story). If any one scene earned Stewart her spot, it's a very creepy nightmare where Claire performs Sweet Dreams on stage. And finally, let's give some praise to the visual effects team; you'll know why when you see Claire post-accident.
Song Sung Blue is fine, but it could've been better if it developed its timeline better. Still, if all you want is a Neil Diamond experience, then Jackman and Hudson's performances will give it to you in spades. They're just as good as the real, real deal himself, who unfortunately never shows up here. But let's not hold that, or The Jazz Singer, against him. I think I said enough.
