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 will be straightforward to do a straight-up biopic of him. As a substitute, the brand new Music Sung Blue, named after Diamond’s 1972 hit track, serves as a shadow Diamond biopic, along with his songs showcased by way of a real-life husband-and-wife tribute act often known as Lightning & Thunder.
Primarily based on the 2008 documentary of the identical identify, the movie focuses on Mike Sardina (Hugh Jackman), who comes up with the thought for a Diamond-centric act when he meets Claire (Kate Hudson). The duo quickly grows in reputation regionally in Milwaukee, headlining not simply eating places and bars but in addition 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 very good biopic with out a little turbulence, and — with out spoiling issues — Mike and Claire be taught that good instances by no means appeared so good after they face greater than their fair proportion of troubles. The couple endures their ups and downs with the assistance of their mixed household, together with youngsters Rachel (Ella Anderson), Angelina (King Princess), and Dana (Hudson Henley), in addition to a group of fellow tribute acts.
Written and directed by Craig Brewer (Dolemite is My Identify), 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 bit lengthy within the tooth – offers 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 track is featured probably the most usually, as Mike makes use of it to have a good time 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 nicely, lending an additional enhance to that a part of the movie. Supporting actors like Anderson, King Princess, Michael Imperioli, and Fisher Stevens complement them nicely, however Jim Belushi, enjoying their promoter, offers a hammy efficiency that appears to be in a very totally different film.
Whereas it’s unclear who the viewers for Music Sung Blue is likely to be apart from hardcore Diamond followers, it has simply sufficient crowd-pleasing moments to make for a stable 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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Music Sung Blue opens in theaters on December 25.
