Song Sung Blue harks back to a different time in more ways than one. Based on the astonishing true story of a Neil Diamond tribute act in the 80s and 90s, you don’t see this type of crowd-pleasing, family-friendly movie come around that often anymore – and it’s all the more welcome because of it.
In the wrong hands, this material could have quickly gone south, but writer-director Craig Brewer’s perfectly pitched tale of down-on-their-luck Milwaukee musicians Mike and Claire Sardina never slips into schmaltz.
It’s a sweet, affecting, and tear-jerking account of the Sardinas’ dizzying career highs and devastating personal lows, with Hollywood stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson perfectly cast as Mike and Claire, who perform together as the Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning & Thunder.
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson are perfectly cast as Mike and Claire Sardina
Brewer was inspired to bring the tale to the big screen when he watched Greg Kohs’ 2008 documentary of the same name, and it has to be said that the less you know about the incredible true story behind this musical-drama before seeing it, the better.
The bones of the story: musician and singer Mike (Jackman) is a divorced Vietnam War veteran, an alcoholic who is 20 years sober, and a part-time mechanic.
He meets fellow entertainer Claire (Hudson), a divorced, single mum of two, at a “Legends” gig at the Wisconsin State Fair, where she is performing as a Patsy Cline impersonator.
Mike and Claire form a joyful Neil Diamond tribute act
After this auspicious meet-cute, they end up forming a joyful Neil Diamond tribute band – becoming an unlikely Milwaukee sensation, falling in love, and making a blended family with their young children. However, it’s not long before tragedy strikes, putting their lives and dreams on hold.
It’s irresistible stuff – inspiring, harrowing, and electrifying in equal measures. Hudson has quite rightly garnered significant awards chatter for her powerful, sensitive performance as Claire. After a well-deserved Golden Globe nomination, an Oscar nod surely awaits.
Kate Hudson deserves the awards season chatter for her powerful performance
Jackman’s skills are on full display here as Mike, and he brings considerable pathos and likeability to the role. Their vocal performances seal the deal, and the film’s frequent musical interludes are a joy to behold.
Filled with heart, heartbreak, and hope, Song Sung Blue hits all the right notes and is bound to strike a chord with a wide audience.
Song Sung Blue is out in cinemas on 1 January, 2026.