Song Song Blue - 8/10

My previous interactions with the music of Neil Diamond have very been limited apart from the background knowledge of big hits such as America and Sweet Caroline, but I admit to having cried during The Jazz Singer which starred Diamond himself, and to regarding his 12 Songs album of 2005 as one of my favourite albums. That and the Big Bang Theory episode where Howard and Amy discover their share love of Neil Diamond songs being one of the few good Howard episode.

This film, based on a true story, focuses on two tribute act performers who decide to become a Neil Diamond tribute act, abandoning their previous Don Ho and Patsy Cline personas. With a variety of friends and family, they struggle to find success, though the simple act of singing and performing is as important to them as much else. Both struggle with personal demons (drugs, drink and PTSD) and music is a path to joy, sharing music with an audience a cleaner high.

Its an excellent film and I'm told Hugh Jackman is actually singing - if so, he has improved greatly from his speak-sing style of The Great Showman.