SHINE ON YOU CRAZY TRIBUTE

HARMONY Hudson and Jackman

- With DAMON SMITH

Craig Brewer's heartrending drama of triumph against adversity is "based on a true love story" as chronicled in Greg Kohs' 2008 documentary of the same title. Without that declaration during the opening credits, it would be easy to dismiss Song Sung Blue as outlandish and manipulative fiction.

In the late 1980s, singer Mike Sardina (Hugh Jackman) meets fellow performer Claire Stengl (Kate Hudson) at the Wisconsin State Fair where she entertains the crowd by impersonating Patsy Cline. At Claire's suggestion, Mike considers forming a Neil Diamond tribute act and he works with her on the repertoire, anchored by singalong favourite Sweet Caroline.