This is the mostly true story of Mike and Claire Sardina (Hugh Jackman & Kate Hudson), a devoted 90s Neil Diamond tribute band in Milwaukee that gained a level of popularity until tragedy struck in the form of a crippling auto accident, and how they overcame adversity and pawed their way back to – what? – tribute band glory?

Let’s look at the plusses first. The two leads do their own singing. Jackman, who’s appeared in stage musicals, is more than capable of belting out “Sweet Caroline.” He even resembles the venerable singer/songwriter.

But he’s eclipsed by Hudson’s surprising display of singing chops (who knew?), and watching the musical chemistry between the two is a treat. Hudson garnered an Oscar nom for this role, her best since Almost Famous 26 years ago. Secondly, while not strictly a juke-box musical, it’s packed with creditable covers of Diamond classics that will delight his fans (and, conversely, it must be said, smother non-fans).

On the minus side, you could go home at the one-hour mark. Most of the songs come in the first, more uplifting half. The movie then loses its cracklin’ intensity and descends, at least until the rousing finale, into overwrought, manipulative melodrama. (132 min)