Kate Hudson shines in "Song Sung Blue," skillfully blending her acting prowess with live singing to portray Claire Stengl, one half of the Neil Diamond tribute act, Lightning & Thunder. The film, which premiered on Christmas Day, is a biographical musical drama based on the 2008 documentary of the same name by Greg Kohs, capturing the early days of the Milwaukee-based band and the relationship between Claire and Mike Sardina.
Hudson's performance has garnered high praise, with co-star Hugh Jackman even suggesting her work is Oscar-worthy. Jackman, who plays Mike Sardina, lauded Hudson as "one of the great stars of our business" and a "consummate actor". Hudson, in response to the awards buzz, expressed her excitement and gratitude, stating she is enjoying the positive reception of the film.
In "Song Sung Blue," Hudson had the opportunity to fully utilize her talents, describing it as a dream role that allowed her to explore a wide range of emotions. She felt a deep connection to Claire, admiring her resilience and determination to find light in difficult circumstances. Hudson's commitment to portraying Claire authentically, while also bringing her own interpretation to the role, was paramount.
The film distinguishes itself by featuring live singing from both Hudson and Jackman. Jackman revealed that they "recorded everything, and we sang everything live," creating a hybrid approach that combined elements of his past musical experiences in "Les Misérables" and "The Greatest Showman". Hudson echoed this sentiment, describing the experience of performing alongside Jackman as "the best". The pair even recorded together before filming began, sitting on a sofa with microphones to work through the songs.
"Song Sung Blue" is directed by Craig Brewer, who is known for films like "Dolemite is My Name" and "Hustle & Flow". Brewer's direction, combined with the performances of Hudson and Jackman, transforms the real-life story of Mike and Claire Sardina from a "laugh-at" to a "laugh-with" experience. The movie also stars Michael Imperioli as Buddy Holly impersonator Mark Shurilla, Mustafa Shakir as a James Brown act called Sex Machine, Ella Anderson as Claire's daughter Rachel, and King Princess as Mike's daughter Angelina.
While the film has been praised for its performances and music, some critics note that the subplots involving the characters' children occasionally detract from the central narrative. However, the overall story of "Song Sung Blue" is a compelling one, exploring themes of love, loss, and the transformative power of music. The film is a sweet and entertaining tribute to Neil Diamond's music and the real-life couple who brought it to audiences as Lightning & Thunder.
