2012 * PG-13 * 1h 12m I've never cared for the music of Neil Diamond. But people kept telling me what a wonderful movie this is. After watching it, I still can't stand his music. That said, the film is about a lot more than just another cover band. It's based on a true story and features great performances from Hugh Jackson and Kate Hudson. And the two have great chemistry together, which makes up for the over-abundance of Neil Diamond's irritating songs.
At the beginning of the film, "Lightening"(Jackman), a talented singer and guitarist is urged to form a cover band and perform the music of Neil Diamond. He's reluctant at first, since Diamond is a personal hero of his and he thins it would be almost sacrilegious to perform his music. But he eventually agrees and teams up with a singer Claire (Hudson) and perform as "Lightening" & "Thunder." And they become a huge hit.
It's not long before the two get married. They each have children from previous marriages and they're soon one big happy family. Then tragedy strikes. Claire is hit by a car while gardening in her front yard, and loses part of one of her legs. It throws her into a deep depression that seems like shell never recover from.
I won't give anything more away. I'll just say I enjoyed this film way more than I thought I would. My only negative comment is that at two hours and change, I thought it went a bit too long. Otherwise, it's well worth watching.
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Netflix, and to rent on Apple TV, Prime, YouTube, Fandango, and other services.
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