Song Sung Blue - Um Sonho a Dois

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."

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.

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.