Song Sung Blue

I just saw Song Sung Blue, and I was surprised by how enjoyable this movie is. Mike and Claire Sardina are part of the band Thunder and Lightning; Mike is a Neil Diamond impersonator. The couple goes through many highs and lows: opening for Eddie Vedder, an accident that cripples Claire, Claire's depression afterward, heart disease, and an unexpected pregnancy involving Claire's daughter.

Hugh Jackman is outstanding here, both in his musical skills and his dancing. He portrays a charismatic Mike who struggles with different aspects of life.

What I liked most was how Neil Diamond's songs guide the emotions of the film. Of course, Sweet Caroline is there, as expected. My personal favorite, Silo, was missing, but I did enjoy the mystic feel of Soolaimon. And then there is I'm a Believer — I have always thought it a wonderful, memorable song. Used in Shrek as well, it captures that moment when you begin to believe again after a really bad love experience. It always makes me smile.

Kate Hudson portrays a sweet, loving Claire. Her connection to music and her enthusiasm for sharing that passion really hooked me. I could not help but feel deep empathy for her struggles and her eventual return to the stage.

I felt the Eddie Vedder character lacked Eddie's grunge voice from the nineties. Here he is portrayed as an amicable, almost sweet guy who meets Mike and asks him to open for their band, Pearl Jam.

The message resonates with the warm emotions of unconditional love. From overcoming alcoholism to the problems that naturally arise in any couple, it reminds us that love and genuine connection are often what help you move forward together. I tip my hat to the production for capturing the emotional spirit of Neil Diamond's songs so well: nostalgia, a touch of blues, hope for the future, tenderness, happiness, and the simple joy of being alive.