Title – Song Sung Blue (2025)

Director – Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow)

Cast – Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Ella Anderson, Michael Imperioli, Jim Belushi

Plot – Based on the true story of Milwaukee based Neil Diamond tribute act Lightning (Jackman) and Thunder (Hudson), a husband and wife duo that followed their dreams no matter the roadblocks.  

“I am an entertainer”

Review by Eddie on 15/01/2026

When it comes to cheese you often find it’s a love it or hate it kind of deal with not a lot of middle ground in between, making Craig Brewer’s newest feature a film that you either embrace or dismiss based off your tolerance for a hearty dosage of Hollywood cheddar sprinkled across this heartwarming and fun Neil Diamond infused tale.

Based off a little-known documentary of the same name that was released in 2008, Brewer’s based on a true story Hollywoodization of Hugh Jackman’s Mike “Lightning” Sardina and Kate Hudson’s Claire “Thunder” Sardina is as Hallmark like as they come but for audiences willing to accept that Song Sung Blue is what it is unashamedly, much like the Sardina’s, Brewer’s latest film provides much in the way of entertainment and heartfelt feels.

Releasing in the crowded Xmas/New Years period around the world, Blue’s failure to light the box office on fire despite solid reviews and rave audience reactions likely is setting in motion a redemption story once it arrives on VOD/streaming services as it’s hard not to be engaged by Brewer’s winning formula of Diamond classics, hearty laughs, romantic hijinks and trials over adversities with his two leads on fabulous form to ensure audiences are given significant bang for buck.

The type of project that would on paper appear to be a dream for Australia’s music loving Jackman, who is as good as his been on screen in years as the seemingly unflappable recovering alcoholic, Vietnam war veteran and Neil Diamond loving Sardina, Blue at the same time becomes the Hudson show who delivers an awards worthy performance as the instantly lovable Claire.

Becoming much less prevalent in Hollywood over the past decade or so, one time rom-com queen Hudson is a magnetic screen presence here and watching her and Jackman play off one another, including an array of fantastic vocal performances with the two doing all their own singing here, is a sight to behold and it’s a timely reminder to all that when given the right material Hudson can match it with the best and I’d argue Hudson is as good here as she was in beloved early 2000’s classic Almost Famous.

Mostly walking (and dancing) to a beat that will feel familiar to anyone who’s seen a similar underdog tale, with a few shocking moments and surprise turns of events thrown in for good measure, this thoroughly enjoyable and toe-tapping feature may wear its sparkling heart on its sleeve but with Brewer and his cast professionally managing to find the right balance between all the ingredients, Blue is a winning feel good film that works as a musical, a comedy, a romance and a drama and is sure to find a place in many viewers hearts when it takes off in the home video market.

Final Say –

A charming film for anyone that allows themselves to be taken on its ride, Song Sung Blue is a wonderfully entertaining feature that is built around Neil Diamonds impressive catalogue of hits and a winning duo in the form of the magnetic Jackman and Hudson.

4 bags of Tater Tots out of 5