Solid but depressing
Summary
Hudson and Jackman are fantastic as the two leads, but be prepared for the movie to be a downer for much of the second half of the run time.
Plot: Struggling musicians Claire Stingl (Kate Hudson) and Mike Sadrina (Hugh Jackman) form a successful Neil Diamond tribute band named “Thunder and Lightning”.
Review: Like every other human being on the planet, I have heard Sweet Caroline – the Boston Red Sox play it in Fenway for the 7th inning stretch, after all. Other than that, I’ve heard some Neil Diamond and found it catchy. I wouldn’t say I’m an enormous Neil Diamond enthusiast, but I don’t mind his music. What I do like is Hugh Jackman in musical roles – Les Misérables and The Greatest Showman are prime examples. So, I saw this trailer and said, “Hell yeah, Hugh Jackman singing? Let’s see this puppy.”
I knew nothing about Thunder and Lightning, as they seemed primarily legends in the Milwaukee region. I was charmed, watching their meeting and inception in the first part of the film. They’re relatable right off the bat – two musicians who have some local success, but dream of bigger things? I think most people, if not all, have always wanted more success in life, especially if they are passionate about the arts.
The first part of the film is definitely the best – it’s uplifting to see people have a “Pinch me” moment and begin to realize their dreams. Hudson and Jackman are electric together, and do a damn fine job of singing. Both characters, although far from perfect, are likable. Even the kids aren’t annoying. So, the first part of the film? Two thumbs up.
Then the second half hits, and oh golly, oh geez, it becomes Debbie Downer. It’s so bad, you begin to question how much of this is really “based on a true story” (through my research, more than you would think), but it’s tough getting through that second half. There is just bad luck and obstacles everywhere, and it seems cartoonish at times. The ending, especially, strikes me as embellished, and I felt taken out of the movie at that point.
As I said, the singing is excellent, and even though some of the numbers run a bit too long, I enjoyed them. I’m not more of a Neil Diamond fan after watching this movie, but I appreciate the impact he’s had on many lives. The costumes are garish and showy (as you expect), and the cinematography is technically fine but not memorable. This movie focuses on the characters and shows their struggles, and doesn’t go for the fancy artistic stuff.
Does this mean this is an Oscar-bait movie? Well, I think, yes. I would say there is a story to this, and it’s not bad, but man, the way they stack the negative events in the second half definitely tinge this movie with intended weepy moments. You have the whole gambit of typical socially relevant moments – grief, teenage pregnancy, mental illness, drug abuse…it’s a studio’s wet dream come awards season. I personally did not weep, not because I have a heart of stone, but because when you have this many adverse events happen in this truncated time span, your suspension of disbelief is sorely tested.
That’s not to say this is not a good movie – it is. The two leads carry it, both with their singing and their resolute, powerful performances. The music is good (awesome if you love Neil Diamond), and the pace moves well. It’s just not the sort of movie you’re going to watch a lot (probably not more than once), and re-watchability is always a factor when I’m rating a movie. Unfortunately for this film, I don’t think there is any.