Based on a true story about a singing duo who perform a Neil Diamond experience and have a family, Song Sung Blue is an entertaining musical film that runs a little long.
I was raised on Neil Diamond music. As a young child of the late 70s and early 80s, I remember my father playing “I Am…I Said,” “Heartlight,” “and Hello Again,” and my mother watching The Jazz Singer on repeat. There was a time that I knew every word, they were on so often, and then as I grew up, like for most of us, “Sweet Caroline” became an anthem. It’s no wonder his music and life went on to inspire a Broadway show – he is more than deserving for the cultural impact he’s made.
Song Sung Blue is about real-life Mike Sardina, a singer who performs as an rock-and-roll impersonator on stage and at local fairs. While at a fair, he meets Claire, a Patsy Cline performer, and the two get married. With three children from previous marriages and a budding singing career, the pair become Thunder and Lightning, performing a Neil Diamond experience for various crowds. They later deal with major health obstacles and struggle financially, while their children look on with their own concerns.
This is an enjoyable movie with a little sparkle that you’re going to like even more if you are familiar with Neil Diamond’s music. There are multiple scenes that include full song performances, and the melodies are always in the air, behind the action. Prepare to bop or sway in your seat!
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson are great as Mike and Claire Sardina. Each doing their own singing, the two have an unusual chemistry that works on screen. Claire is a quirky midwestern girl and Mike is a recovering alcoholic who is continually trying to be better after being sober for 20 years.
The supporting cast, and particularly the three kids, are also notable. Hudson Hensley, Ella Anderson, and King Princess play Dayna and Rachel (Claire’s kids) and Angelina (Mike’s daughter), who continually (and mostly from the sidelines) hold their parents accountable for keeping their feet on the ground and not running away with their dreams and responsibilities.
There is a lot of story to tell about the Sardina family, and, this being based on their real life, it makes sense that they would want to tell as much of it as possible. To that effect, it begins to feel a little long. I do think that they could have shaved about 20 minutes and tightened up a few sequences, but alas, I was not hired to work on this production.
I also loved that there was a cursory sentence by Claire about them making “their own beautiful noise,” which is a nod to Diamond. Not only is the Broadway show about him called A Beautiful Noise, but his 10th album is named Beautiful Noise, and it was inspired by his daughter once exclaiming that the sound of a parade outside was “a beautiful noise.”
Overall, Song Sung Blue is a good time. In my opinion, it’s hard not to enjoy a musical because I feel like they inhabit you without you realizing it, but Neil Diamond’s music is so grand that, even if you aren’t familiar with him, you’re going to know a few of these songs.
Runtime: 132 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: PG-13
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes
Did I Cry? Nope
My Rating: 3.25/5 Stars
Available: Currently in theaters, to rent on Prime Video, or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
I was raised on Neil Diamond music. As a young child of the late 70s and early 80s, I remember my father playing “I Am…I Said,” “Heartlight,” “and Hello Again,” and my mother watching The Jazz Singer on repeat. There was a time that I knew every word, they were on so often, and then as I grew up, like for most of us, “Sweet Caroline” became an anthem. It’s no wonder his music and life went on to inspire a Broadway show – he is more than deserving for the cultural impact he’s made.
