Craig Brewer, Kate Hudson, and Hugh Jackman have come out with one hell of a swan song movie, ending this year on a high note. Song Sung Blue is the film version of the documentary created by Greg Kohs, tracing the highs and lows of the singing sweethearts Lightning and Thunder. The film is a blast of a pop-musical and a heartbreaking real-life drama based on a true Love Story. Its themes and performances are beautifully poignant, and are sure to tug on your heart strings.
As a fan of Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, this film seemed like a no-brainer. But behind the perfect casting, the story they’re telling is one of emotionally shocking proportions. It’s one of the most life-affirming films I have seen all year, and that’s saying a lot. The story of Lightning and Thunder, (the Neil Diamond tribute band that took Milwaukee by storm), will make you laugh and cry and then some.
Taking the Midwest by storm
The story the film is based on is an inspiring and charming tale of two artists chasing a singular dream. Before seeing this film, I wouldn’t have thought that a Neil Diamond tribute band in Milwaukee could be so popular. Having seen the film twice now, I completely understand the hype.
I wish I could’ve seen Lightning and Thunder in their prime, it would have been absolutely electric. Luckily, for those of us that missed out on the real life sensation, Hudson and Jackman have performed a loving homage to these humble champions of music and love.
Mike and Claire are some of my favorite movie characters I’ve seen all year. The best part is that they’re not just characters- they’re real people. These two found each other out there, and thank God they did. Their love combined created an absolutely adorable power couple, and that couple transformed into a soul-stirring soft rock tribute band that makes you believe in your dreams again.
Touching me, touching you
There have been a lot of emotionally affecting films in 2025, but for some reason, this one had me tearing up throughout its entire runtime. It was both tears of joy and sadness, mind you. The music of Neil Diamond combined with such a wholesome and heart-wrenching story of love and hardship created an exhilarating movie theater experience.
I knew I was going to see Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson sing Neil Diamond songs. If that was all the movie had to offer, I’d have been a happy man. These two are some of the finest actors and singers around, and they captured their roles with an intense passion and spirit. Mike and Claire’s story is not all Cracklin’ Rosies and Sweet Carolines however. The film is called Song Sung Blue for a reason.
Just like any of us, these two go through a lot of good times, and a lot of bad times. We see the way their relationship and musical careers are affected by a series of unfortunate events, and at times, it’s damn near hard to watch. The fact that this is a real story greatly enhances the overall emotional depth.
Each and every actor understands the stakes completely. The child actors playing Mike and Claire’s kids are especially phenomenal, bringing a nuanced level of sensitivity to their roles. The film works as a love story, a family film, and a toe-tapping musical. All in all, it really doesn’t miss a beat.
Facing the music
I won’t sugarcoat it- this story is a tragic one. I won’t get into major spoilers, but just know that you should bring some tissues to the theater, if you have a heart, of course. Some critics say this film is tonally mismatched, and they are wrong.
To me, the film felt true to life. When we see these damaged lost souls meet and create something beautiful, it’s an absolute rush. The editing and pacing of the film shows this in a thrilling manner. But when things get tough, it feels as though the story slams on the brakes, and it hits hard.
That’s what’s part of what makes this film so inspiring. Mike and Claire are just like anyone else. They just brought their love of music and Neil Diamond to people for the sake of spreading joy. Despite the terrible things they go through together, they keep their dream alive, and through it all, keep bringing music to people who need it.
I’m a believer
I’ll be a little more honest than I was before, I thought the idea of a Neil Diamond cover band was kind of lame. But this movie wrecked me, completely. I loved every minute of it, and went to see it again within twenty four hours. The story and the music are incredibly moving, but it is also an extremely well made movie.
The framing, editing, costuming, acting, and soundtrack work together to create a sometimes dreamlike and always dazzling movie theater experience. Lightning and Thunder would be proud. The energy Hudson and Jackman bring to their roles lights up the screen, and I was hooked from the opening scene.
It’s the music that keeps Mike and Claire going, always. At the start of the film, they have both dealt with a lot in life, and they continue to as they create a life together. But it’s always the singing, and the dancing, and especially the performing, that is a constant in both of their lives.
The whole thing speaks to the power of music, and more importantly, the power of connecting with someone magical. That feeling you feel when you meet someone who understands you? Who sees things the way you do? Someone who expands on your perspective on life in a way you least expect it? Mike and Claire have that. If their story doesn’t make you believe in the power of love, I don’t know what will.
Song Sung Blue is playing in theaters now.
