Song Sung Blue Movie Review

Song Sung Blue (2025)

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Written by: Craig Brewer (written by), Greg Kohs (based on the documentary by)
Directed by: Craig Brewer
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Ella Anderson, Michael Imperioli, Fisher Stevens, Jim Belushi
Rated: PG-13
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Plot
Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, experience soaring success and devastating heartbreak in their musical journey together.

Verdict
It's a neat story. Who would think that a cover band could reach this level of fame? Mike realizes his shortcomings, but he loves being on stage and finds a way to do that. I imagine part of the appeal was the audience seeing his energy and fervor. It was likely contagious. I haven't seen the documentary, but I wonder if this adds that much to the story. We follow a man that loves to entertain, even if he isn't well known. You can find a way to perform even if it isn't on a 'big stage,' but this movie doesn't develop too far past interesting trivia that a cover band reached such fame.
It depends.

Review
This is based on a true story about the husband and wife Neil Diamond cover band, performing through the 80s and 90s in Wisconsin and surrounding areas. 

Mike Sardina (Hugh Jackman) is an impersonator, but he's annoyed by the job. He wants to sing his own stuff. The problem is that nobody wants to hear his songs. He refuses to play the part of Don Ho in the state fair and quits. He meets Claire (Kate Hudson) at the fair who suggests he become a Neil Diamond impersonator. Mike refuses at first, holding Diamond in too high a regard to attempt mimicking him.

Kate Hudson, Hugh Jackman play Claire "Thunder" Cartwright, Mike "Lightning" Sardina 

Mike is soon smitten with Claire, and the feeling is mutual. He admits he's not meant to write or be a star, but he loves to entertain people. Their first night together is spent practicing Neil Diamond songs as they decide to pursue the endeavor. They'll call themselves "Thunder" and "Lightning."

Their first show at a bar doesn't go as planned with the promoter mistakenly thinking a biker gang would like Neil Diamond. The other problem is that Neil Diamond's most well known song is "Sweet Caroline," and Mike doesn't want to embrace it. Claire eventually convinces him otherwise. They have to play to the audience and they want that song. Their cover band quickly becomes popular, riding "Sweet Caroline" all the way to the top. That somehow translates to them opening for Pearl Jam.

Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson play "Thunder" and "Lightning"

Half way in is where this takes a turn. Claire is hit by a car while gardening in her yard. She's understandably depressed She and Mike both miss their act, and the future remains unsure. They were better together, though Mike continues impersonating to make some money. They both struggle but finally return to the stage together. They get their big headlining concert.

Throughout the movie, Mike has suffered heart problems. At one point, he comically has his daughter use a defibrillator on him as he doesn't want to cause a fuss. It's that heart issue that adds dramatic flair to his meeting with Neil Diamond.  It's not quite how it happened in reality, though we knew the numerous heart issues were leading to something dramatic. 

This falls into retelling the story more than developing the characters. I appreciate that Mike realizes he's not destined to be a star but realizes he can still enjoy music on a smaller stage. The movie doesn't do enough with that. This is more interested in portraying the trivia that a cover band reached such fame.