IN PERFECT HARMONY

KATE HUDSON AND HUGH JACKMAN MAKE A GREAT DOUBLE ACT IN SWEET UNDERDOG STORY WHICH MAKES US WAIT FOR A FEEL-GOOD FINALE

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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 that defies rational thought and mathematical odds.

Jaw-dropping moments of outrageous misfortune did happen and a stellar cast led by Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson deliver and receive the big narrative swings with unwavering sincerity, posing a minor threat to leaky tear ducts in the emotionally wrought second hour.