Song Sung Blue-Movie Review- A Musical Journey Wrapped in Love-Available on Blu-Ray™ & DVD on February 17th

I have heard a lot of what Neil Diamond has sung in his lengthy career, the title of the movie and Sweet Caroline are 2 of his best-known songs. However. This isn't about the man himself, but a man who idolized him and would make a career of sharing his love of his songs with those he could.

Along the way, Mike (Hugh Jackman, Les Misérables, The Greatest Showman) would meet Claire (Kate Hudson, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Almost Famous) at an event they are both performing at. Like a lightbulb being turned on, their chemistry is instant. Hugh Jackman & Kate Hudson would keep this energy throughout the film; having great chemistry is needed for a film like this. They would form a Neil Diamond tribute band called Thunder & Lightning.

                    

More than just the music, which both actors sing live and on set, they also play their instruments; their harmonies are fantastic. This is first and foremost a love story as described by everyone in the Bonus Features on the disc, but more on that later.

Their connection would have them marry and really have a strong admiration for each other. This is a grown-up love story, much like The Bridges of Madison County; they both have children from their previous marriages.

Based on the award-winning 2008 documentary by Greg Kohs (The Great Alone, AlphaGo), writer and director Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow, The Poor & Hungry) was able to get two of his favorite actors to be in the film.

Of course, as with anything in life, there are bumps along the way. There is a very traumatic scene that really switches gears of the film, which also tests their love for each other. 

In the end credits, the filmmakers thank Neil Diamond & Eddie Vedder.

Bonus Features

There are two extended performances as the first segment, which are very enjoyable to see again.

For the rest of the features, they have the same kind of talking points that a lot of these often do with a release like this. Not that it is a bad thing, it's just very common.

                    

When I first heard of the film, I honestly had no interest in it, not being a big fan of Neil Diamond, but I thought I might watch it eventually. However, I was allowed to see the film on Blu-ray, courtesy of Mandy, through Mandy Kay Marketing, and I was pleasantly surprised at how good the overall film is, which I really enjoyed.

This says a lot about the filmmakers, the performers, and everyone who took part in the film. Proving that you don't have to be a fan to enjoy the movie, as its main core is the love story, the music is secondary.

Kate Hudson mentions in the bonus features that when she talked to Claire, she still spoke of Mike as if he were still here, a testament to their love story.