Mike (Hugh Jackman) is a frustrated would-be rockstar who finds him stuck on the tribute circuit. Trying to make a name for himself as Lightning, Mike meets Patsy Cline tribute act Claire (Kate Hudson) and he realises they have chemistry. Following a session at Claire’s house, the singers decide to join forces and form a Neil Diamond tribute act under the name Lightning and Thunder. As their success starts to build, the two must navigate heartbreak and difficult times that threaten to derail everything they’ve achieved together.
‘Song Sung Blue’ may not have set the box office alight but the film has received positive reviews. Based on a true story, the film is both a musical tribute to the genius of Neil Diamond, and a story about two lost souls that find in each other what they’ve been missing. Mike has ambitions to be much more than he is, while Claire has let her dreams fall to one side to raise her two children. Their connection comes at the right time, but there’s also a sense that they see each other as their last chance of making it.
Mike and Claire soon move their relationship from professional to romantic, and as things seem to be going great for them, a curveball arrives. It’s one of the most shocking moments of the film, and it changes the tone for the second half of the film. Whereas the first hour is fun, frivolous and at times very funny, the second hour is more sombre with all of the classic elements of a melodrama. Surprisingly it works very well, and that’s in large part to the capable leads and super supporting cast.
Hugh Jackman is reliably good as Mike, throwing himself into the character with abandon and giving a larger-than-life performance. It’s Kate Hudson though that deserves all of the praise though; as Claire she’s a revelation. Hudson has been mostly known for romantic comedies but with this role she proves she’s got the acting chops for so much more. She turns Claire into a character that is engaging and you can relate to, and she’s gives the performance of her career.
Jackman and Hudson are supported by a cast that includes Fisher Stevens and Jim Belushi, as the men who help turn Lighting and Thunder into stars, and Michael Imperioli as a Buddy Holly tribute artist who joins Lighting and Thunder’s bad as a guitarist. All three actors bring their A-game and are a lot of fun to watch over the course of the film.
Alongside the acting there’s the music. You can’t really go far wrong with Neil Diamond’s greatest hits and Jackman and Hudson put their own spin on them. One highlight is Hudson’s gorgeous take on “I’ve Been This Way Before” and Diamond fans will love the version of ‘Sweet Caroline’ that pops up frequently during the course of the film. Songs by Patsy Cline, Buddy Holly and Don Gibson feature too.
‘Song Sung Blue’ is a fantastic film and one that deserves a much wider audience than it’s had. Perhaps it will find new life on home entertainment formats and eventually streaming. With incredible songs, strong performances and a storyline that makes you feel all emotions, ‘Song Sung Blue’ is a film you absolutely have to see. If you ever doubted Kate Hudson, let her prove you wrong.
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Michael Imperioli, Fisher Stevens, Jim Belushi, Hudson Hensley Director: Craig Brewer Writers: Craig Brewer & Greg Kohs Certificate: 15 Duration: 132 mins Released by: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment Release date: 2nd February 2026 (Digital), 7th April 2026 (Blu-ray & DVD) Buy ‘Song Sung Blue’ now
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