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“Song Sung Blue” A Heart-warming, Moving Tribute to Neil Diamond

  • Writer: Matt Palmer
    Matt Palmer
  • Jan 16
  • 3 min read

In 2008,  a biographical documentary titled “Song Sung Blue” follows Mike and Claire Sardina, who performed as the Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning and Thunder, that documents their life events. Now, a drama based on the 2008 documentary is now playing in theaters and this is most definitely going on my annual top films list for sure!

Based on the true story, two down-on-their-luck musician’s form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, proving it’s never too late to find love and follow your dreams.

Ever since I’ve seen the trailers for “Song Sung Blue,” I had to place it on my must-see list and, honestly, you should too! The true story film is a bittersweet feel-good film that will have you enjoying the music, give you a few laughs and even shed a tear or two.

“Song Sung Blue” definitely serves as a respectful tribute to Neil Diamond’s music. The music featured in the film has a heartfelt integration to the overall story, bringing emotional depth through energetic and updated performances of his music from Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. Now, while the film features some of his well known songs, such as “Song Sung Blue” and, of course “Sweet Caroline,” the film also explores Diamond’s deeper catalog with some gems like “Play Me” and “Holly Holy,” among many others.

The performances from both Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, along with the supporting cast, are really incredible. It also took me a minute to realize that Jim Belushi played the tribute band’s manager and can have a few humorous moments. 

Jackman does an outstanding job bringing soul and sensitivity to his role of Mike “Lightning” Sardinia. He also does an incredible job combining his theatrical “song and dance” energy with a grounded depiction of a man struggling with both alcoholism and personal tragedy.

Kate Hudson’s performance in this film is probably one of her best performances yet!

Her portrayal of Claire “Thunder” Sardinia, has the ability to balance joy during the musical numbers with truly heart-breaking vulnerability during scenes of tragedy and recovery. Also, the chemistry between both of them is simply electric.

The film also depicts a terrible accident where a car veers off the road, striking Claire. The accident and its aftermath, including financial difficulties and mental health struggles, severely tests the couple, but ultimately strengthens their bond as they work to overcome it.

A lot of the musical elements where they perform some of Diamond’s hits are really memorable and truly stand out. And, during all the times I heard “Sweet Caroline,” I did kind of sing along to the song to myself. There’s also a very energetic sequence that depicts the couple’s real-life breakthrough opening for Pearl Jam that’s incredible and symbolizes the “cross-generational respect” for Diamond’s music.

Overall, “Song Sung Blue” is a heartwarming biopic about a Neil Diamond tribute couple that features great performances, balancing comedic sincerity with deep emotion, and exploring themes of dreams, resilience, and finding joy in a shared passion despite hardships, making it a touching, crowd-pleasing film about authentic connection.

Cast: Hugh Jackman (Mike/Lightning); Kate Hudson (Claire/Thunder); Ella Anderson (Rachel); Hudson Hensley (Dana); King Princess (Angelica); Michael Imperioli (Mark Shurilla); Fisher Stevens (Dr. Dave Watson); Jim Belushi (Tom D’Amato); Mustafa Shakir (Sex Machine); John Becksmith (Eddie Vedder).

Writer/director: Craig Brewer (Coming 2 America; Netflix’s Dolemite Is My Name; Footloose; Black Snake Moan; Hustle & Flow).

Trivia: Director Craig Brewer, who watched the 2008 documentary at the Indie Memphis Film Festival, emailed the documentary’s director Greg Kohs in 2023 to option the rights for a scripted version of their story. “Song Sung Blue” was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy (Hudson).

MPA: Rated PG-13 for thematic material, some strong language, some sexual material and brief drug use   (runtime 132 minutes)

Make sure to keep on checking my Wyoming County Press Examiner reviews page on Facebook for any updated review line ups that I have planned for future editions! Here is a look at what I have currently planned for the 1/28 Examiner: “Marty Supreme,” “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” “War of the Worlds” (2025 reboot on Amazon), “Y2K” (recent release 2024) and “Godzilla” (1998) (instead of checking out an Oscar nominated film, I wanted to check out a movie that has been nominated for several “Worst Film” awards).




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