Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Song Sung Blue review reveals that the Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson starrer is a not what you expected—it’s a beautiful noise.

First of all, get rid of your preconceptions regarding Hugh Jackman’s latest movie, Song Sung Blue. If you, like most people, haven’t gotten much beyond the title, the poster and the ugly mutton chop sideburns, you may think it’s a Neil Diamond bio pic. I know I did.

Far from it. It’s a big Hollywood take on the true story of a Milwaukee couple’s Neil Diamond tribute band, that bounces between comedy and tragedy at a heartbreaking pace. You’ll be surprised at how much entertainment can be mined from such a seemingly pedestrian subject matter. As bad as Jackman looks with long, stringy, dyed black hair, he and Kate Hudson act their hearts out. It’s likely the best work Hudson’s ever done.

The supporting cast is also a kick, at its understated best. Watch for Michael Imperioli, Fisher Stevens and Jim Belushi, plus Ella Anderson, in a star turn as the lead couple’s daughter.

Song Sung Blue review — Gritty yet engaging

This version of the movie (there’s a 2008 documentary version of the same film out there, made by the the couple featured in the current film) tells the story of “Lighting and Thunder,” husband and wife tribute performers who put together a live Neil Diamond act that rocked the town.

Both are divorced with children when they start dating and then marry, and both are struggling to make ends meet doing what they love, as well as many jobs they don’t love, to fill in the gaps. It’s a small story about a segment of society that is seldom celebrated or even noticed by many, but merits attention. Issues like missing mortgage payments, losing jobs and insurance and the addiction that can ensue could be even more common now than they have been in decades.

Writer/director Craig Brewer (Dolemite is My Name, Hustle & Flow) brings to the big screen a tale of a blended family with more than its share of bad breaks, some of them the clear results of unfortunate choices, others of random bad luck, which in this case, is almost unbelievably cruel.

But it’s all cushioned by love, soulfulness and the joy of performing and listening to music that can make the heart soar. Above all, Song Sung Blue is entertaining.

Rated PG-13

2 Hours 13 Minutes

In an eye opening tribute to tribute talent a glittering event was held with tribute performers galore, in (where else but?) Las Vegas, at the swanky Brenden Theaters at the Palms lobby, prior to a special preview screening.

Who was I not to accept that invite? How often do Jim and a I get to rub shoulders with Dolly Parton, Madonna, Britney Spears, Diana Ross, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Junior, Neil Diamond, Rod Stewart, Taylor Swift, Barbara Streisand, Annie Lennox and Lady Gaga, or reasonable facsimiles thereof? Their stories are fascinating, their artistry is amazing and their optimism is inspiring.

The work they’ve chosen takes them all around the world, doing the work they love in front of the people who love them. How many of us can say that about our jobs? Sure, job security isn’t the best, and side hustles are almost a given, but the same could be said for film critics—now more than ever.

My gratitude and thanks to Focus Features and Frost Communications for inviting me and my lovely and talented arm candy to the event.

Getty Images for Focus Features

If this Song Sung Blue review inspires you to rock on over to the cineplex, get times and tickets at Fandango.com.

Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Song Sung Blue review reveals that the Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson starrer is a not what you expected—it’s a beautiful noise.