Oscar Nominee Review: SONG SONG BLUE

Most people will sit down to watch the Craig Brewer Written and Directed Oscar Nominated film SONG SONG BLUE expecting to see a touching love story about 2 down on their luck singers who’s entertainment and personal lives are going nowhere only to be redeemed when these two plucky losers join together as an improbable Neil Diamond tribute act known as Lightning and Thunder.

And, for the first half of this film, that is exactly what you get as Lightning (Hugh Jackman) and Thunder (an Oscar nominated Kate Hudson) give us what we were expecting - a feel good underdog story with a pair at the center that are easy to root for (especially Hudson).

But then the story takes a jarring left-hand turn and the film - and the audiences allegiance to this film - never really recover.

The first half works well as Jackman is professional and engaging as “Lightning”, showing that no one does musical movies better than Jackman. His character, Mike, is positive in defeat, keeping true to his “code” and showing a drive that will not be dampened.

He is ably complimented by Hudson as “Thunder” who loves Lightning and will follow him in his dreams - which them become her dreams. Hudson’s Oscar nomination is well deserved, and you see shades of her Penny Lane character from Almost Famous at the beginning of this century, which warmed the hearts of all who saw it.

Oh…and Fisher Stevens, Michael Imperioli and (especially) Jim Belushi are supporting characters in the lives of Lightning and Thunder and they are just as quirky - and interesting - as the lead pair.

But then, there’s that plot twist - and a turn in tone & mood. The darker sides of these characters emerge…and it’s not pretty to see.

Oh, by the way, this film is based on a true story which is important to know for if this was a work of fiction, it would be accused of making these events up to garner false melodrama.

This sudden change is jarring and Director/Writer Brewer (HUSTLE & FLOW) clearly knew what he wanted to do and he went for it with a vengeance. Unfortunately, the film collapses under the weight of this pivot and when the film tries to get back to a level playing field it is too late and the damage is already done.

Kind of like Lightning and Thunder’s lives.

Letter Grade: B (both Hudson and Jackman are worth watching)

7 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the BankofMarquis