Song Sung Blue (2025)

Content by Tony Macklin. Originally published on July 16, 2026 @ tonymacklin.net.

Every once in a while a soap opera is raised above its genre by its acting. Talent transcends form.

Song Sung Blue is such a film.

Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson give terrific performances as a Milwaukee duo that creates a tribute act Thunder & Lightning that pays homage to Neil Diamond. One doesn't have to be a fan of Neil Diamond music to accept the concept.

Song Sung Blue is based on an actual couple. Mike Sardina (Jackman) is a Vietnam veteran who returned with PTSD, and alcoholism, which he resists the rest of his life. He has a career as a Neil Diamond impressionist. He meets Claire who is a Patsy Cline impersonator, and together they create Thunder & Lightning a Neil Diamond experience.

Song Sung Blue breaks into two films -- the first upbeat, and the second downbeat. An accident changes their lives. Kate Hudson may scream a bit too much for me in the second part, but she is credible.

Director/writer Craig Brewer uses a documentary Song Sung Blue directed by Greg Kohs as a major source, but he changes the end to make it more dramatic, although the new ending is close to actuality. On occasion, Song Sung Blue is a little shaky being a homage to a homage to homage.

Since Mike and Claire appeared opening for Pearl Jam, Kohs was able to use the actual Eddie Vedder. In Brewer's movie, Vedder is played byJohn Beckwith. Michael Imperioli plays Mike's friend Mark and does a surprising impersonation of Buddy Holly. Veteran actor Fisher Stevens also makes a solid contribution.

Song Sung Blue is rousing and entertaining.