Ticket 2 Ride

Saturday Night at the Movies presents:

I went into this film with an open mind. My wife was really wanting to see this, so I took her to a matinee. At first, I imagined this film to be aimed at hardcore Neil Diamond fans, which I am not. An average fan, yes.

I came away really enjoying Song Sung Blue. The preview trailer undersold this film, at least to me. It wasn’t really a musical, a bio pic or a gooey love story. Actually, it was all of those, but apportioned in the right amounts. It helps it you enjoy Diamond’s music, since it is featured in the film, but it’s not about the songs, it’s about a shared dream of two people who form a tight partnership that sees them through a lot of challenges.

A lot of films are based on or inspired by real events, which usually means it’s 90 percent fiction. This film was not heavily advertised as based on a real story, so I question I naturally had is, how accurate is the film? A lot of the film seems to be dramatically correct, although the timeline of some events are changed or compressed to fit inside of the film’s dramatic structure. One child of a main character is missing entirely from the story, and he wasn’t happy about it. This film is not a documentary, in fact, there actually a documentary about the real Lightning & Thunder. Based on what I’ve read, i believe this feature film is substantially true enough to accurately present the lives of Mike and Claire Sardina. And it’s a gripping and entertaining film.

Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson are quite good as Mike and Claire. Both stars recorded and sang their parts live, which required precision to match their on-screen performance, rather than the traditional lip sink to prerecorded music. They both sing in real life and deliver enjoyable performances. Not usually a fan of Hudson, I give her credit for upping her game in this film, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she snares some major award nominations (Hudson is nominated for a 2026 Golden Globe).

Written and directed by Craig Brewer, my only big complaint is the film’s runtime of 132 minutes, is too long. The third act could be tightened up to quicken the pacing and final scenes seem almost anti-climactic. Aside from that, Brewer has done a fine job recreating the period, and with casting supporting roles, especially Fisher Stevens, Michael Imperioli and Jim Belushi. In my opinion, Belushi has always been a stronger character actor than leading man, he’s more convincing, and his energy level is a better fit inside a character he’s playing here. He steals every scene he’s in.

The daughter of Mike was played by King Princess and the daughter of Claire was played by Ella Anderson. Both turned in fine performances as kids of divorced parents and navigating the challenges of teenage life.

Enjoy the story, enjoy the music and enjoy the performances. I did.