This is based on the true story of musical duo Mike and Claire Sardina (known as Lightning and Thunder) who were also the subject of a documentary film of the same name. In 1987 Mike was a jobbing musician, performing as part of a group of tribute acts (including Elvis, Michael Jackson, James Brown and a very grey haired Buddy Holly) in dive bars and state fairs to earn a few extra bucks. He catches sight of Claire singing as Patsy Cline and they soon team up to perform what Mike prefers to call a Neil Diamond experience rather than an impersonation.
They are both divorcees with children, each with a grumpy teenage daughter and a younger son in Claire's case. They also have emotional baggage to unpack, with Mike being completely honest about being a recovering alcoholic in his 20th year of sobriety. There is a pretty much immediate spark between them and it's joyful to watch how happy they make each other when they get together to sing the songs that are so special to Mike (even if some of the early gigs don't go exactly how they imagined). They are soon married and inseparable.
The first act of the film has some great musical moments including a triumphant gig where they are invited to be the unlikely opening act for Pearl Jam, but without getting too much into spoiler territory there is then a gut wrenching twist and the film becomes an emotional rollercoaster right up to the final scene. It follows the actual story pretty much, with a few tweaks for dramatic purposes, and if you're not crying by the end then you're made of stone.
The performances in the film are spot on, with Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson belting out some classic Neil Diamond songs to appreciative crowds, as well as quieter and more intimate moments. It's not quite a jukebox musical, but it's an enjoyable experience. Just bring a box of tissues for the second half
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