Normally these sorts of "true" movies which tells some inspiring people's stories give me a bit of the icks as they tend to soften things up in a way that doesn't feel honest. Stories that show people loving life despite how hard they have it without ever critiquing how hard the world makes it for them, make me question their motives. Still, I kept getting pulled into Song Sung Blue's narrative even when it took some seriously questionable liberties with the real events, mostly because the cast just brings such a loving energy. The film, like one of it's centrepiece songs, Sweet Caroline, may be a bit cheesy but ends up being irresistible despite our better judgment.
I do give most of this credit to the cast who are all wonderful. Jackman is in his theatre kid element here and Anderson really gets a chance to shine. But my money is on Hudson who reminds us that yes she did earn that Oscar nomination and does light up the screen. She never feels like she is acting, even when her accent feels a little on the nose.
Still the film is a little clunky and long in moments. I do wish it was as interested in deconstructing the reasons why the Sardinas' had to struggle so much as it is with their resiliency no matter how inspiring that resiliency is. Still it is a mostly fun ride that does give its cast some real moments to shine.
Song Sung Blue
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, Mustafa Shakir, Fisher Stevens, Jim Belushi, King Princess, Hudson Hensley
Writer/Director: Craig Brewer
No comments:
Post a Comment