Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, experience soaring success and devastating heartbreak in their musical journey together.
Chuck says:
Craig Brewer managed to change my mind about two things with his surprising “Song Sung Blue.” I was wrong about the purpose of musical tribute acts and Kate Hudson. As for the latter, based on her past output, she always struck me an actress of limited means. After seeing her moving, dynamic performance here, I stand corrected. Regarding musical impersonators- rather, interpreters – I’ve come to the conclusion they are far more inspirational than their seemingly parasitic nature would suggest.
Chronicling the ups, downs and ups of Mike and Claire Sardina, the two leads of the Neil Diamond tribute band, “Lightning and Thunder,” the film flirts with melodrama throughout. The subject of a documentary of the same name, the director of that movie, Greg Kohs, was advised not to attempt to make a feature film as no one would likely believe the Sardina’s story. At times, their circumstances are a bit hard to accept, yet a thorough round of fact-checking confirms the major events portrayed here are true, making the story all the more remarkable.
A Vietnam vet and a recovering alcoholic, Sardina (Jackson) has had more than his fair share of setbacks. Yet, he finds salvation in music, portraying a variety of famous singers in the Milwaukee area, which has a healthy population of such performers. However, he senses his career has hit a wall and he’s eager to reinvent himself. He’s inspired to switch gears when he meets Patsy Cline interpreter supreme, Claire Stingl (Hudson).
Their rapport is instant, as are their musical instincts. Aided by their manager Tom D’Amato (Jim Belushi) who, thanks to his busing service has connections to all of the area casinos, “Lightning and Thunder” soon has a devoted following that continues to grow. They become such a sensation that Eddie Vedder (John Beckwith) hires them to open for Pearl Jam when they’re in town.
Of course, we’ve seen this story before but what makes “Blue” unique are the Sardina’s personal stories, wherein lies the true drama. Stingl’s teenage daughter, Rachel (Ella Anderson) unexpectedly becomes pregnant, Sardina develops a heart condition, and what befalls Claire defies logic, an event that nearly proves fatal. The movie could have very easily become a ham-fisted, manipulative melodrama, but Brewer, Jackman and Hudson prevent this by playing each scene with sincerity.
With Jackman on board, it comes as no surprise that the musical segments are executed with an enthusiasm that’s infectious. Diamond’s music is well-served here, the actor interpreting these familiar tunes with reverence. Jackman seems to want to convert any non-believers in the audience and if you find yourself humming one of the pop star’s songs for days after, don’t be surprised. As for Hudson, she manages to hold her own on stage, her surprisingly strong voice doing justice to the material. But it’s during the movie’s more intimate moments where she truly shines. The trials Claire must endure are formidable and Hudson displays a sense of courage and optimism that does the woman justice.
In the end, what surprised me most about “Blue” was how genuinely inspiring it is. This is due in large part because of Jackson and Hudson. There isn’t a trace of irony in either of their performances. While the Sardina’s were committed to paying tribute and honoring Diamond’s work, these screen veterans take a similar approach to their real-life counterparts. The result is a stirring portrait of two people who, despite being repeatedly brought low by cruel fate, continue to believe better times are just around the corner. Don’t be surprised if you shed a tear or two, at the sight of their perseverance paying off.
3 1/2 Stars
