Song Sung Blue: Canción para dos

Much better than your typical "based on a true story" movie. Kate Hudson really delivers an incredible performance adding a palpable extra dimension to her character on screen. Well balanced story telling, character development and a great cast quickly get you engrossed in the story and wishing for more.

This highly entertaining and unique musical story gives both Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson the opportunity to shine in complex character roles. While the theme, script, and direction occasionally feel a bit cheesy, the film ultimately delivers an authentic sense of realism as it explores the struggles of this family and their triumphant connection to music. (Your kids may also become Neil Diamond fans and you will probably find yourself pulling up his greatest hits on you Apple Music account on the drive home from theater.)

The director weaves in several interesting musical and historical elements in this biopic centered on a Neil Diamond impersonator. There is a fair amount of tragedy, a strong dose of well-crafted singing, and a genuine heart at the center of the film-one that has already earned Kate Hudson a Golden Globe nomination.

Somewhat surprisingly, Hudson often outshines Hugh Jackman, which is no small feat. Jackman remains authentic and committed in his singing, though his vocal range isn't as broad as Neil Diamond's, nor as strong as it was in The Greatest Showman. His performance here is more reminiscent of Les Misérables, reaffirming his status as an incredibly versatile singer-actor who brings depth and humanity to the role.

Glad to see this in the theater where the sound and singing come alive fully.

I did not expect to walk out of this movie feeling such satisfaction! It was poignant, fun, traumatizing, and heartwarming! Hugh Jacks and Kate Hudson were amazing! They brought an honesty and depth to Lightning and Thunder that I didn't expect! I expected a fun song along movie - but it was so much more! We saw Avatar 3 last weekend and this was so much better!

The events in Song Sung Blue really happened. I was there as a fan in the '90's and it was crazy. Crazy fun, crazy entertaining and, off-stage, crazy tragic at times. The real "Lightning and Thunder's" performances were uplifting - you left singing and dancing and in a great mood. The movie brought back that time and feeling.

Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson were mesmerizing. They skillfully captured the spirit of Mike Sardina/Lightning and the still feisty Claire Sardina/Thunder. I had no idea Kate Hudson was so musically talented. The supporting cast nailed it. The director, Craig Brewer, and production team told this complicated and bittersweet story with grit, laughter and energy. I laughed. I cried. I danced in my seat. I am still unapologetically cranking Neil Diamond songs days later and I plan to for a long time (& I'm not a "boomer" but I'm old enough not to care whether someone thinks Neil Diamond music is cool or not) (spoiler - it is!)

Like real life, Song Sung Blue was heartbreaking at times. It was also joyful and inspiring. This couple experienced really high highs and really low lows.

These were "regular people" like most of us. Well... no one is quite like Lightning/Mike or Thunder/Claire... and maybe it's partly because, unlike most of us, despite all the obstacles they faced, they went all-in after their dream. They brought a lot of people joy doing what they loved and if that's not a fulfilling and beautiful life, I don't know what is.

Give this movie a chance (& check out the documentary it's based on, 2008's "Song Sung Blue" - yes, these events really happened). It's hard to explain, you just have to experience it.

This movie should be seen by everyone whether you love Neil Diamond or not. It has tremendous heart, charismatic and brilliant performances, great chemistry between Kate and Hugh. You'll laugh and prob cry but never a dull moment or false note. The young actors were all great and so fun seeing Michael Imperioli, Jim Belushi, Fisher Stevens . Look out for the oscar noms on this one!!