Song Sung Blue Review: A Phenomenal Film You Can’t Miss

Song Sung Blue tells an extremely heartbreaking, and yet inspiring, true story that you have to see to believe. Based on the documentary of the same name, it follows a Neil Diamond tribute duo called Lightning & Thunder. Starring Hugh Jackman as Mike Sardina and Kate Hudson as his wife, Claire, this film hits theaters on Christmas Day and is a must watch.

I went into this movie having not seen the documentary and knowing almost nothing about Neil Diamond. Candidly, I wasn’t that excited for it, apart from wanting to see Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson perform, but I ended up on the edge of my seat all the way through. The story that unravels is insane. So many terrible things happen to this family. The timing of everything is baffling, making it that much crazier knowing it is a true story. 

As always, it is impossible not to love Hugh Jackman. He is charming and passionate and a brilliant performer. Getting to see him sing a plethora of Neil Diamond songs is a treat, but it is his acting here that truly shines. His portrayal of Mike Sardina only makes the story that much more impactful, as I left the theater wanting to learn more about this man. 

Kate Hudson is also fantastic in Song Sung Blue. Her part of the story is a bit darker than Jackman’s, but just as meaningful and important. While she has her ups and downs, which all of us can relate to, it is one of the final scenes where Hudson really showcases her acting chops. To say I was in tears is an understatement. 

I went into this movie not knowing the story of Lightning & Thunder, and I imagine many others will be in the same boat. Therefore, I will avoid spoilers, but just know that this story is a joy to watch at times and absolutely devastating at others. You will find yourself rooting for the underdogs and bopping along to the music one moment, and then looking around for tissues as you ugly cry the next.

Song Sung Blue is not just for Neil Diamond fans. As I said above, I do not know much about him at all. Sure, I know a song or two, like “Sweet Caroline” of course (which Mike Sardina would love to hear me mention), but I was not lost in the story by not being his biggest fan. This is a movie about Mike and Claire, not necessarily about Neil. It welcomes viewers with varying levels of Neil Diamond knowledge and appreciation because of this. 

I cannot write this review without mentioning Hudson Hensley, who plays Claire’s son. He is so good in this movie and does a wonderful job of tugging at our heartstrings when he needs to. We see him grow and mature throughout the film. Much like Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman, he is the main focus of a scene that he needed to absolutely nail for the movie to truly work. And he does exactly that.  

Song Sung Blue tells an intriguing story that is filled with unforgettable musical performances, but that is not all it is. This movie is sure to inspire us all to shoot for the stars, never give up, and keep going towards your dreams, no matter what obstacles stand in the way. It will also have audiences calling their loved ones on the way home, just to make sure that they know they care about them. Do not opt out of this one simply because you are not a Neil Diamond superfan. I promise you, it is not a movie about him; it is about family and supporting one another.

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