If Tune Sung Blue, which had its World Premiere because the Closing Evening movie of AFI Fest, weren’t a real story nobody would ever have the nerve to make it. The unlikely triumphs and unspeakable tragedies of a Milwaukee Neil Diamond tribute band referred to as Lightning And Thunder could take some dramatic liberties (what true story doesn’t) alongside the best way however the undeniably jaw-dropping realities of their story are so astonishing – and all right here – that it isn’t stunning director Craig Brewer (Hustle & Circulate) discovered it irresistible materials for a film.
Based mostly on Greg Koh’s 2008 documentary, the story revolves round a pair of working class wannabe star singers who’re mainly decreased to being vocal impressionists in dive bars and native golf equipment the place they rise up and sing once they aren’t doing their day jobs. Mike Sardina (Hugh Jackman) is a divorced Vietnam vet, recovering alcoholic, and mechanic who believes in his musical mojo. Claire Stengl (Kate Hudson) is a single mother of two, Rachel (Ella Anderson) and Dayna (Hudson Hensley), working as a hairdresser by day, being a very good, if struggling single mother, and performing as a Patsy Cline impersonator many nights. She finds pleasure within the music. Mike is a bit more sophisticated. They uncover one another, and at Claire’s suggestion they kind a Neil Diamond tribute band with their stage names Lightning and Thunder. Mike actually didn’t see this coming however for the love of Claire and perhaps a brand new life he goes alongside.
Quickly he finds he’s a rattling good substitute for Diamond (Jackman doing a Dangerous Enterprise-like routine in his underwear seals the deal), their concord -personally and on stage- clicks with a stunning rendition of “Play Me” , resulting in native gigs and growing notoriety in Milwaukee and environs. Joined by a again up band together with Mark Shurilla (Michael Imperioli) who was a Buddy Holly impersonator who performs a imply guitar; and shortly a supervisor, Tom D’Amato (an ideal Jim Belushi), this Diamond tribute act reaches the heights domestically, even opening for Pearl Jam’s Wisconsin dates with Mike duetting with Eddie Vedder (John Beckwith) on “Perpetually In Blue Denims” (sure, that actually occurred). They’re beginning to dwell their model of the American dream. Life is sweet, till it isn’t. The film’s total joyous tone – the love story of two individuals discovering one another for one more shot at happiness and a household coming collectively -changes tragically for each of them, most urgently for the ever optimistic Claire.
That Brewer by no means loses the fragile tone of this musical comedy/drama is a miracle itself. You’ll discover your self asking at multiple level, “might this have actually occurred?”, however in the end Tune Sung Blue is not only a few tribute to Neil Diamond, however to the resilience of the people on the middle of all of it. Luckily the movie additionally has two ever-appealing and relatable stars knocking it out of the park – musically and dramatically. Jackman, full with Diamond-style hair, is nearly as good as he has ever been enjoying an advanced man who finds his groove within the music of an iconic singer. It isn’t simple being such a recognizable star impersonating a person impersonating an equally recognizable star, however Jackman provides him edge and likability so we’re with him all the best way. His Diamond vocals are flawless. As for Hudson, she is just sensational in her finest display function since her Oscar nominated and Golden Globe profitable flip because the inimitable Penny Lane in 2000’s Nearly Well-known. As snug musically as she is with the heavy dramatics the function requires, her Claire will break your coronary heart. Anderson and Henry are ideally solid as the children, and King Princess as Mike’s daughter Angelina can also be high-quality. Imperioli additionally scores as that Buddy Holly man turned key guitarist, and Mustafa Shakir will get smiles as a James Brown doppleganger, Intercourse Machine.
Tune Sung Blue is an apt Diamond tune to title this movie that doesn’t draw back from displaying the curves life can throw at us, however this story of two good souls discovering love and Candy Caroline collectively is not any mere impersonation itself. It’s, actually, about as actual, emotional, and unpredictable as life can typically get.
Producers are Brewer, John Davis, and John Fox.
