Song Sung Blue: A Musical Journey with Lightning & Thunder

Cover bands have been around for a long time, with amateur imitators performing famous songs for a lower price. In the early 2000s, younger musicians started playing classic rock material with more precision than the original artists. One notable duo, "Lightning & Thunder," covered Neil Diamond songs, with Mike Sardina and his wife Claire as the leads.

The casting of Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson as the leads was a wise choice, as both actors are skilled and capable singers. However, the movie's downfall lies in its bloated and slow-paced second act, which derails the promising start of the story. Mike's obsession with including the relatively obscure song "Soolaimon" in every performance becomes a point of contention within the band.

Interestingly, the film portrays Mike as disliking the popular song "Sweet Caroline," which seems illogical from a marketing standpoint. Director Brewer, known for urban-themed dramas and comedies, struggles to maintain the momentum of the narrative in this music-focused film. Despite its flaws, "Song Sung Blue" is a step up from the lackluster comedy "Saving Silverman," featuring a Diamond cover band.

Overall, "Song Sung Blue" may appeal to fans of Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, or Neil Diamond, but others may find it lacking. Watching the documentary version on YouTube before committing to the movie could provide a better understanding of the story and production values.