Song Sung Blue is the inspiring, often tragic, story of a Milwaukee couple who just wanted to sing. They formed a Neil Diamond tribute band and became home town heroes.

When Song Sung Blue began, Mike (Hugh Jackman) and Claire (Kate Hudson) were small time performers doing gigs as impersonators. Claire was great as Patsy Cline, and Mike could do several legends. They hit it off the minute they met. After a while they hit on the idea of singing Neil Diamond songs, but not as impersonators. As a tribute band. They would call themselves Lightning and Thunder.

Both were divorced. Claire had two kids, Rachel (Ella Anderson) and Dayna (Hudson Hensley). Mike had a daughter, Angelina (King Princess). Both were broke. Mike was a 20 years sober alcoholic. They had baggage.

The chemistry between Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman was electric. Both of them are excellent singers. And everybody loves Neil Diamond’s music. The film is a win all around.

Dr. Watson (Fisher Stevens), a dentist, and Tom (John Belushi), a tour bus driver, acted as the agent and manager for Lightning and Thunder. They were mostly clueless and small time, but they found places for Lightning and Thunder to perform. Lightning and Thunder became a Milwaukee favorite and even opened for Pearl Jam when they came to town.

The backup musicians were mainly other local musicians like themselves. Mark (Michael Imperioli) had been doing Buddy Holly impersonations. Sex Machine (Mustafa Shakir) was the choir leader in his church in addition to doing impersonations.

It wasn’t a straight shot to success. There were heartbreaks and setbacks and tragedies to overcome. Craig Brewer directed and wrote the screenplay based on the documentary by Greg Kohs.

I was given access to a screener for Song Sung Blue. The film will open in theaters on December 25. I love nothing more than to go see a new musical on Christmas Day after all the day’s excitement has wound down. Song Sung Blue is a fine addition to the tradition of premiering musicals on Christmas Day. I absolutely recommend it.