Movie Review # 760: Song Sung Blue (2025)

Well, everyone, today, we review the latest biopic. It is one that chronicles a couple that served as a Neil Diamond tribute band. It stars Hugh Jackman, and Kate Hudson as our main characters. Presenting to you all my review of the biopic, Song Sung Blue, which is based on a 2008 documentary of the same name, and chronicles a lot of the life of this couple, and their journey.

Plot: The movie chronicles the life of musicians Mike Sardina (Hugh Jackman), and his wife, Claire (Kate Hudson), who served as the Neil Diamond tribute band, Lightning & Thunder. It tells of the journey of the band, both highs, and lows, and anything else that went along with their journey.

First of all, I was completely surprised to find out what this film ended up being about. I mean after seeing previews for this movie, I went into this film thinking this was going to be a biopic about Neil Diamond himself. Boy, was I in for a surprise when it turned out that this film is actually a biopic about the tribute band for Neil Diamond, “Lightning & Thunder”. After seeing this film, I was also surprised by how much I found myself watching it, and watching a biopic that isn’t based on a Christian artist, or band, you know? Honestly, it wouldn’t be surprising if, after other people see this movie that have yet to, they would find themselves enjoying it more than other recent biopics like Rocket Man (which was about Elton John), or Bohemian Rhapsody (which, of course, was about Freddie Mercury/Queen). Now, is that to say that Rocket Man, or Bohemian Rhapsody were bad movies? No, absolutely not! In fact, they were still good movies. It’s just that, Song Sung Blues seemed like a more fun movie in this case. Now yes, like some of the other biopics that we have seen come out in more recent years, there were some sad, and depressing moments here in this film too. However, what makes Song Sung Blues stand out even more, in this case, is that while there were some sad, and depressing moments here too, it also felt more fun, lighthearted, and uplifting this time around. Not only is that the case with the storyline itself, but also probably thanks to the stars of this particular film, Hugh Jackman, and Kate Hudson. First of all, once again, just as Hugh Jackman did well with bringing his singing talents to films like 2012’s Les Miserables, and 2017’s The Greatest Showman, he does the same with Song Sung Blues. Even Kate Hudson does well with that. After seeing this film, I was shocked to hear how well she even sings. If anyone here found a film that she sings in, please let me know. Anyway, Jackman, and Hudson not only have great chemistry between their respective lead characters, but chances are people might find themselves wishing that they starred in other films together as well. In addition to all of this, this film did well with showing the character growth with each of these characters, especially with Mike, Claire, and even secondary ones like Rachel, Claire’s daughter from her first marriage, or Angelina, Mike’s daughter from his first marriage. Oh, and that’s another strength for this film. That being the story being well developed, the characters being well developed, and the movie not being afraid to show both the great times that happened for these characters, and the struggles that went along with many of them. Oh, and one other thing to appreciate about this film is how we got at least a little bit exposed to some of Neil Diamond’s other works in addition to his big hit, “Sweet Caroline”, including ones like “Soolaimon”, and, of course, “Song Sung Blue”. Honestly, and maybe this is just personal preference rather than anything against this movie, but it might have been nice to hear this tribute band sing a little more of Neil Diamond’s work. But hey, at least we got to hear a little more of Diamond’s work in this film. Finally, this film does well with teaching some really valuable lessons, like drawing lines between wanting to make people happy, playing things safe, and being willing to sometimes take risks, being patient with others that you care about, and loving others in spite of mistakes that they might make in life.

And that’s my review for Song Sung Blues. So, I guess the question remains, is it going to be films that come out around Christmas time, like last year’s “A Complete Unknown”, or this year’s “Song Sung Blue”, or even biopics that come out around Christmas time, that will end up being the more enjoyable ones than those that have come out at different points in past years in the end? Well, you got me! Well, one thing is for sure. “A Complete Unknown”, and “Song Sung Blue” have been a couple of the better biopics that have been released in more recent years. It’s a fun time at the movies, Hugh Jackman, and Kate Hudson are phenomenal in this movie as their respective characters, along with the supporting cast as their respective characters, the music is awesome, and there some really valuable lessons to learn from this film. Also, can we take time to appreciate that this is likely, if I’m not mistaken, one of the first films, if not the first one, to be a biopic featuring a tribute band to an artist, or band, instead of one about the artist, or band itself? All to say, if you can, definitely take the opportunity to see Song Sung Blue in theaters. It may not be an experience with visual effects, or seeing objects in 3D. Still, because of the wonderful story that goes along with this film, and all that goes with it, you’ll find yourself glad that you saw it in the end. So yes, please don’t wait until this movie’s On Demand to see it if possible. See it sooner instead, if you can. I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed. So, again, see it ASAP, and see what you think!

Final Rating: 10/10