‘Sung Song Blue’ Review: Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson Bring Lightning & Thunder’s Tragic True Story to Life

In a world where Hollywood releases at least one music biopic each year about an iconic legend, the idea of making a feature film centered on a Neil Diamond cover band feels almost unthinkable. And yet, not only did Craig Brewer make it happen, but he went one step further by enlisting two of Hollywood’s biggest A-list actors to bring the story of Lightning & Thunder to life.  

Song Sung Blue is a heartfelt crowd-pleaser inspired by the documentary of the same name. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson shine as Mike and Claire Sardina, two celebrity impersonators who find love through their shared passion for music and create a Neil Diamond tribute band called Lightning & Thunder. The film explores their ups and downs while also highlighting how humor, trauma, and music all played a pivotal role in their inspiring yet often tragic journey in life.

I didn’t quite know what to expect from Song Sung Blue before seeing it at the AFI Festival last month. I watched the trailer and was intrigued, mostly because I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Hugh Jackman perform live three different times over the past decade. At his most recent show at the Hollywood Bowl earlier this year, he even performed a Neil Diamond song as part of the set. If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you already know I’m a sucker for films that incorporate music, whether it’s a full-on musical or a story where music plays a key emotional role. While the music of Neil Diamond drives the love story of Lightning & Thunder, the film ultimately explores something deeper: the challenges, heartbreaks, and resilience that define Mike and Claire’s relationship well beyond their cover band. 

Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson pour their hearts and souls into Song Sung Blue. The two are without question the main reason to see this film, even beyond Neil Diamond’s timeless music. Their chemistry is undeniably electric, but what stands out most is how they deepen and evolve their characters as life continually tests them. As a couple and as parents, they face a series of unexpected and heartbreaking events that forever change their lives. Jackman is terrific as always, but it’s Hudson who delivers what can only be described as her best performance since Almost Famous. She brings an emotional rawness to Claire, revealing a woman who refuses to give up, finding strength and inspiration in even the darkest of moments as she continues to chase her dreams and care for her family.

Unfortunately, despite the strength of the performances, the film’s narrative isn’t as solid as I hoped it would be. The tone feels uneven at times, and while some emotional moments work well, others come across as rushed or underdeveloped, especially considering the complexity of Mike and Claire’s journey. The overall presentation has the feel of a made-for-television movie from the 1990s or early 2000s. The way the dramatic moments are staged lacks the cinematic weight you would expect from a big-screen production and instead plays more like something designed for network television. After sitting with the film for several days, I can’t help but wonder if that was Craig Brewer’s intention. Since Mike and Claire’s story is deeply rooted in small-town life, perhaps the goal was to capture that sense of intimacy and simplicity, even if it comes at the expense of a more polished, cinematic experience.

Still, there is a lot to admire about Mike and Claire’s relationship and their inspirational love story. Song Sung Blue manages to be both a crowd-pleaser and an emotional drama, which is never an easy balance to strike, even for the most seasoned filmmakers. While it doesn’t always hit every note perfectly, the film ends on a strong and satisfying note, making it easy to recommend; particularly for its heartfelt performances and musical charm. This feels like the kind of movie that, if released a decade ago, would have enjoyed a long run in theaters. Older audiences in particular will connect with its themes, as it offers a wholesome yet honest look at love, loss, and perseverance without sugarcoating life’s hardships.

Rating: 6.5/10

Awards Buzz: I can easily see a world where Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson earn nominations at several upcoming award shows, including the Golden Globes. Both are seasoned performers who thrive in front of an audience, and as I mentioned in my review, this film feels tailor made for older moviegoers and in turn, older awards voters. I would not be surprised if Hudson even finds herself among the Academy’s final five when Oscar nominations are announced.