Song Sung Blue

Unbelievable! If Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson don't receive an Oscar for their performances (or at the very least a nomination), then I've lost faith in the movie community. It really amazes me the talent these two actors have. I was very impressed with the whole movie and very entertained. The music is incredible and even if you don't know Neil Diamond songs, you just might find yourself humming or singing along. And the movie was "clean". No F words flying around, no nudity, no sex (except for a small make-out session - but with underwear on!). I was so pleased with this movie. An absolute gem! GO SEE!!!!

I'll admit, I walked into the theater with the wrong expectations. I expected a deep dive into the musical genius of Neil Diamond; instead, I was met with a love story that is strikingly real, raw, and human. While the music of Neil Diamond provides the soul of the film, the heart belongs to Mike and Claire Sardina.

Hugh Jackman is electric as the charismatic but haunted Mike "Lightning" Sardina, while Kate Hudson delivers a grounded, beautiful performance as Claire. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it's their portrayal of "Lightning & Thunder" navigating life's cruelest tragedies that truly resonates. This isn't just a movie about a tribute band; it's about a love so fierce it transcends physical and emotional trauma to knit a fractured family together. It's a tear-jerker, yes, but it's also a profound reminder of how one couple's bond can inspire an entire community.

From alcoholic baseball fans who won't stop singing "Sweet Caroline" even when you tell them to for just one inning to that old guy in your building who still plays and quietly weeps to his cherished vinyl of "The Jazz Singer," except for "Saving Silverman" and that part you generally skip in "The Last Waltz" this is the ultimate film for Neil Diamond fans. As Milwaukee Neil devotee Mike, Hugh Jackman trades his Logan lamb chops for that amazing Neil hairdo you usually only see on Mexican detention officers to sing Diamond's hits with a true showman's devotion; his maniacal, Wolvie-like intensity just makes one wish that proposed 'Klaus Kinski as Wayne Newton' biopic had gotten off the ground. And Kate Hudson with her usual 'entitled python about to devour a litter of kittens' charm just shines as his fellow devotee and wife Claire. They truly are Lightning and Thunder, and they got the way to move me. This is going to be the monster hit of the holidays, and they come to America (only to be shipped right back) for "Song Sung Blue."

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.

What a wonderful and emotional movie. I believe its fairly true to the real life story, so I hope Neil Diamond approved! All of the actors were great, with Hugh Jackman in full 'Greatest Showman' mode, but Kate Hudson was a revelation...who knew she had such a great voice. Her final song left the whole audience in tears, simply beautiful.