Neil Diamond — a member of each the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame with 10 No. 1 songs and over 56 million albums bought — is such a music legend that it might be simple to do a straight-up biopic of him. As an alternative, the brand new Tune Sung Blue, named after Diamond’s 1972 hit tune, serves as a shadow Diamond biopic, along with his songs showcased by means of a real-life husband-and-wife tribute act generally known as Lightning & Thunder.
Based mostly on the 2008 documentary of the identical identify, the movie focuses on Mike Sardina (Hugh Jackman), who comes up with the concept for a Diamond-centric act when he meets Claire (Kate Hudson). The duo quickly grows in recognition regionally in Milwaukee, headlining not simply eating places and bars but additionally some bigger venues. As their legend spreads, they even begin to get the eye of the media and greater names exterior of Wisconsin.
In fact, it wouldn’t be a superb biopic with out a little turbulence, and — with out spoiling issues — Mike and Claire study that good occasions by no means appeared so good once they face greater than their justifiable share of troubles. The couple endures their ups and downs with the assistance of their mixed household, together with kids Rachel (Ella Anderson), Angelina (King Princess), and Dana (Hudson Henley), in addition to a neighborhood of fellow tribute acts.
Written and directed by Craig Brewer (Dolemite is My Title), the movie’s attraction lies primarily within the irrepressible enthusiasm of Mike, a person born to entertain if ever there was one. Neither his long-dormant alcoholism nor well being issues nor location within the Higher Midwest can cease Mike from demonstrating his showmanship abilities. In fact, it helps that he’s portrayed by Jackman, who – regardless of getting a little bit lengthy within the tooth – provides each efficiency his all.
What the story can by no means fairly reply, although, is why this explicit couple is value a whole function movie. Positive, they’ve a considerably fascinating arc, particularly when it coincides with a sure early ‘90s grunge band, however in any other case there’s little that separates them from different tribute acts toiling across the nation. Brewer struggles to outline them exterior of their singing lives, and when issues get actually dangerous for them, the emotional connection is at a minimal.
Then there’s the side of incorporating Diamond’s music, a few of which has endured throughout the a long time greater than others. Naturally, “Candy Caroline” will get a notable showcase, however whither “America” or “Heartlight?” The title tune is featured probably the most usually, as Mike makes use of it to rejoice his yearly “sober birthday,” however it’s not a barnburner. Mike additionally has an obsession with the comparatively obscure “Soolaimón,” an odd alternative each for him and for the film to incorporate a lot.
Jackman and Hudson have good chemistry collectively, and when the movie places them collectively in singing scenes, their bond turns into infectious. Every of them has a naturally melodic voice as effectively, lending an additional enhance to that a part of the movie. Supporting actors like Anderson, King Princess, Michael Imperioli, and Fisher Stevens complement them effectively, however Jim Belushi, enjoying their promoter, provides a hammy efficiency that appears to be in a very completely different film.
Whereas it’s unclear who the viewers for Tune Sung Blue may be aside from hardcore Diamond followers, it has simply sufficient crowd-pleasing moments to make for a strong watch. The leisure issue of the movie comes and goes, however Jackman, utilizing each ounce of his skills, principally makes up for any deficiencies.
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Tune Sung Blue opens in theaters on December 25.
