‘Song Sung Blue’ Review: Hugh Jackman & Kate Hudson Electrify Tragic Tale

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I just finished watching Song Sung Blue, and wow, what a ride! It’s a truly moving story, based on real life, about two people, Mike and Claire, who connect through their shared love of Neil Diamond. They start a Neil Diamond tribute band, and for a while, it feels like everything’s falling into place. But their path to success isn’t easy, and the film takes some really unexpected and heartbreaking turns. Honestly, bring tissues! It’s a film that swings wildly between pure joy and devastating sadness, all wrapped up in a fun, sparkly package of big hair, sequins, and, of course, fantastic Neil Diamond music. It’s a toe-tapper, for sure, but be prepared to cry.

Hugh Jackman gives a fantastic performance as Mike Sardina, a Vietnam War veteran and single dad in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the late 1980s. Mike is working through alcoholism and finds joy in singing and playing guitar for anyone who’ll listen. He works as a mechanic and also performs for Mark Shurilla (Michael Imperioli), who puts on a Buddy Holly tribute show at the state fair. While Mark wants him to perform a variety of artists, Mike prefers to stick with his beloved Neil Diamond songs.

The story opens with Mike at an AA meeting, using music as a way to celebrate his sobriety. He then rushes to a fair where he captivates the audience with his singing, and spots an attractive woman, Claire Stengl, watching him from behind the stage. Claire, a divorced mom, has been hired to perform as Patsy Cline as part of the fair’s entertainment. She and Mike quickly connect and decide to go out on a date.

Claire welcomes Mike into her home, a cozy apartment she shares with her family: her teenage daughter Rachel, young son Hudson, and her mother. Their initial connection quickly blossoms, and Claire starts playing the keyboard. Mike joins in, and they share a special, spontaneous moment of musical connection. Inspired, Mike proclaims they’re “Lightning & Thunder,” and Claire happily agrees, clearly delighted.

While the music and performances are the main draw, the complex relationships in Song Sung Blue are particularly compelling. Mike and Claire have found something special in each other, but both are dealing with difficult family issues. In a moving scene, Claire pleads with the hesitant Rachel to give Mike a chance – Claire desperately wants a deep connection where she can truly be herself, and Mike seems to be everything she’s ever wanted, offering both attraction and creative inspiration. Rachel sees Mike’s genuine kindness and finds herself liking him, and Hudson, who lacks a father figure, is also immediately drawn to Mike.


Focus Features

As Mike’s daughter, Angelina, begins to understand her father, she finds a mother figure in Claire and a true friend in Rachel. Their families connect, and this shared history makes the central love story even more powerful when difficulties appear. The resulting hardships deeply affect everyone involved as they face a series of crises together. These moments are incredibly impactful because the audience believes in the genuine love between all the characters.

Craig Brewer, the director behind films like Hustle & Flow and Coming 2 America, brings Greg Koh’s 2008 documentary to life with a heartwarming and funny story. The film follows Lightning & Thunder, a Neil Diamond cover band, as they try to gain a following, particularly among a tough crowd in Milwaukee biker bars. Brewer expertly balances the band’s personal struggles with the joy of their music and plenty of comedic moments, especially as the bandleader, Mike, stubbornly insists on playing deep cuts instead of popular hits. While musical visions and clashing personalities threaten to tear the band apart, Brewer honestly portrays their differences and ultimately celebrates how they come together to create something special, culminating in a fantastic final performance.


Focus Features

Everyone knows Hugh Jackman is incredibly talented, but Rebecca Hudson completely blew me away in this! It’s honestly her best performance yet. Her voice is amazing – such power and range – but it’s how she becomes Claire, and really shows all her pain, that just wrecked me. What Claire goes through is almost too much to handle, and it makes the second half of the movie so intense. Things were going so well for Lightning & Thunder, but then everything just crashes down, and they’re hit with a wave of sadness. The director, Brewer, doesn’t shy away from the really tough stuff, and it feels so real – even in the most difficult scenes, it never feels over the top.

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Just a heads-up: Song Sung Blue isn’t a typical happy love story. My friend, who enjoyed the movie, was really upset afterward. While some people find it depressing, the film honestly portrays Mike and Claire’s difficult relationship, all set to the beautiful music of Neil Diamond. Special praise goes to Mustafa Shakir for his scene-stealing performance as Sex Machine (a James Brown impersonator) and Jim Belushi as their loyal manager, Tom D’Amato.

Song Sung Blue will be released theatrically on December 25 from Focus Features.

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2025-12-23 20:50