Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, experience soaring success and devastating heartbreak in their musical journey together.Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, experience soaring success and devastating heartbreak in their musical journey together.Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, experience soaring success and devastating heartbreak in their musical journey together.
- Awards
- 4 wins & 5 nominations total
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Featured reviews
Gen-X checking in. I loved this film! I have seen over 180 screenings in the theatre this year, this is easily one of the best of 2025. I wouldn't call myself a Neil Diamond fan, but enjoyed some of the greatest hits over the years. You do not need to be a fan to enjoy this film. This is the only film this year that hit my heart like this, bringing happy tears, sad tears... this was a tearjerker, bring the tissues. Kate Hudson should win best actress of the year. Great chemistry between the leads. The supporting cast is amazing as well. Great music, great drama, with several unexpected twists. A true Christmas film that has lots of heart and changes the viewer by the time they leave the theatre. Highly recommend!
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.
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!!!!
A man, Lightning, and a woman, Thunder, find love and a chance at their dreams in together creating a tribute "experience" to Neil Diamond. They are working class people--and I expect there to be a wink by the filmmakers, a bit of condescension, "isn't this goofy?" tone. There is NO SUCH THING. This is a fun and uplifting and sincere and dramatic and refreshing film. Both Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson have tremendous voices and stage presence galore. Everybody else is great, too. Writer/director Craig Brewer is to be congratulated for turning his vision into great cinema. Great? Great!!!
Did you know
- TriviaCraig Brewer, who watched the documentary Song Sung Blue (2008) at the Indie Memphis Film Festival in 2008, emailed director Greg Kohs in 2023 to option the rights for a scripted remake film.
- Goofs"Sex Machine" did not officiate the marriage between Mike and Claire, as can be seen in the original documentary film.
- ConnectionsFeatured in NTV Evening Newshour: Episode dated 10 September 2025 (2025)
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $30,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $11,499,085
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $7,073,630
- Dec 28, 2025
- Gross worldwide
- $11,925,085
- Runtime
- 2h 12m(132 min)
- Color
- Sound mix
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