Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, experience soaring success and devastating heartbreak in their musical journey together.

We’ve reached such a saturation point for music biopics that we’re even seeing ones made about tribute acts now, with ‘Song Sung Blue’ telling the story of ‘Lightning & Thunder’, a Neil Diamond tribute act that made waves in Milwaukee in the 1990s. That slightly facetious opening line is perhaps a little harsh as this is quite a sweet drama about two people who love each other, despite facing many challenges, as much as it is a story about Neil Diamond’s music. It is directed by Craig Brewer and stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson in the leading roles, both of whom are well cast and deliver strong performances.

The movie begins with the initial meeting between Mike Sardina (Jackman) and Claire Stingl (Hudson) backstage at a tribute act show, where a disillusioned Mike is refusing to go on stage as anyone other than himself, and Claire is about to perform as Patsy Cline. She suggests, based on his appearance, that he try his hand at Neil Diamond, and shortly after they begin a relationship largely formed initially through their love of music and performing, which blossoms as they develop a Neil Diamond show under the name ‘Lightning & Thunder’. ‘Song Sung Blue’ follows their relationship and their newly blossoming career as they play to larger audiences and even earn a support slot for Pearl Jam, but there are trials and tribulations ahead that will seriously test their partnership.

This is where the movie excels, largely through Kate Hudson’s moving performance and Hugh Jackman’s innate charisma, as the duo are forced to face up to the challenges life has thrown at them. Neil Diamond songs soundtrack the movie and director Brewer skilfully chooses which songs to insert when, to represent high points and low points, and the movie finds a good balance between these peaks and troughs. Solid support is provided by Michael Imperioli, Fisher Stevens and Jim Belushi, and if you like Neil Diamond, I’m sure you’ll enjoy ‘Song Sung Blue’. It’s ultimately based on a documentary and I think there’s a degree of artistic license here, but I thought this was a solidly enjoyable movie that while leaning into the inherent cheesiness of Mike & Claire Sardina’s act, manages to find the heart in their love story.

Rating: 3/5

Directed By: Craig Brewer

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, Mustafa Shakir, Fisher Stevens and Jim Belushi

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt30343021/