Song Sung Blue

Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson are showstoppers in the moving, new based-on-an impossibly-true-story SONG SONG BLUE.

As the story unfolded, I kept turning to my wife and whispering, can this actually be true??? Researching it post viewing, the surprising answer is, for the most part, YES!

Hugh Jackman plays Mike, Vietnam vet and long time rocker with a great reputation around Wisconsin after decades of playing bars. Celebrating 20 years of sobriety in a blue collar life, his music comes first. He's currently taking gigs impersonating other rockers in a road show booked by longtime friend and Buddy Holly impersonator Mark, well played by Michael Imperioli (The Sopranos). When he's asked to sing "Tiny Bubbles" as Don Ho, Mike backs out, but the night is saved when he meets Patsy Cline impersonator Claire (Kate Hudson) who knocks him out with her rendition of "Walkin' After Midnight" and her playful sense of humor.

Soon, the two are meeting for a coffee and the idea is born for Mike to impersonate Neil Diamond, who Mike practically worships from afar. Jackman is so good as Mike that you ignore the fact that his style of singing is Broadway show tune vibrato and Diamond was the ultimate solo folk/soft rock troubadour.

Soon, Claire and Mike form a Diamond tribute act called Thunder & Lightning that takes the state by storm.

Families merge, and they are a fascinating group that only true life could have formed. They're all superbly cast too.

Big screen newcomer Ella Anderson is perfection as Claire's daughter Rachel. She keeps a close eye on her young brother Dana (newcomer Hudson Hensley). The two have formed a tight bond with their single mom. Rachel doesn't know quite what to think when she meets Mike's daughter, Angelina (the excellent King Princess from "Nine Perfect Strangers"). Angelina is independent, transparent and speaks her mind.

The family dynamics in the middle of the drama are what elevates the film far beyond a typical tale. Writer/Director Craig Brewer (Hustle and Flow) introduces you to each of these characters and makes you invest in them before life unleashes all the craziness it can muster.

The film doesn't shy away from its portrayals of addiction, recovery, loss and grief, unleashing a powerful third act.

Hudson and Jackman put on a hell of a show as Thunder & Lightning and we get to see their performances in entire songs, not quick edits and montages.

When Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam calls and asks them to open for Pearl Jam (YES, that really happened) we witness a clever recreation with John Beckwith nailing it as Vedder.

Mustafa Shakir is also a standout as Sex Machine, their James Brown impersonating stage host and loyal friend. Jim Belushi gives his funniest and most heartfelt performance in years as Tom D'Amato, the soft-hearted concert booker who takes their act to the next level.

I've always been a Neil Diamond fan and his music serves up plenty of perfect accompaniment to the story, from "Forever in Blue Jeans" and "Play Me" and the hilarious importance of "Soolaimon" to Mike, to a Hudson rendition of "I've Been This Way Before" that will not leave a dry eye in the house.

What a sweet movie.

Endearing, funny, deeply rooted in heartfelt emotions and the love of friends and family, it's a warm way to start a New Year.

This time of year, we always seek to invest in our passions, to refocus on our ultimate goals. There is no better example of a man 100% devoted to his goals than Mike. Jackman invests him with an inspiring soul and reckless, unleashed musical talent and a sense of wonder, it inspires.

I can't resist. Is SONG SUNG BLUE good?

Sing it with me..... SO GOOD! SO GOOD! SO GOOD!

It gets a soft, sappy, old fashioned A.