Song Sung Blue movie review by Movie Review Mom

MOVIE TITLE:  Song Sung Blue

This musical blast from the past is now playing in theaters, as well as on Fandango at Home, and on Amazon.

RATING:  PG-13 (for thematic elements, language, and emotional intensity)

LENGTH:  2 hours 12 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE:  A – I love it!

SPONSOR of Today’s movie review:

Check out some of Neil Diamond’s greatest hits of all time on this awesome CD/Audio on Amazon at https://amzn.to/49ovFFh

IN A NUTSHELL:

The story is about “Lightning” and “Thunder”, a Milwaukee husband and his wife who create a Neil Diamond tribute act. They experience soaring success and devastating heartbreak in their musical journey together.

Song Sung Blue is a heartfelt, music-filled drama inspired by the true story behind Neil Diamond’s iconic song. Hugh Jackman shines as a man whose life has stalled, but whose love for music, and connection to others through it, offers a surprising second act. This film is less about fame and more about healing, perseverance, and how shared music can stitch broken lives back together.

The film was directed by Craig Brewer, who also co-wrote it with Greg Kohs, author of the documentary. The director first saw the documentary at the Indie Memphis Film Festival back in 2008, and then immediately reached out to Greg Kohs to talk about a film together. This is Craig Brewer’s first wide-released theatrical film since 2011 when he did Footloose.

Already, the film has been nominated and won several awards. In the words of one of Neil Diamond’s song “Sweet Caroline”: “So good! So good! So good!”

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

This is a reflective, character-driven film aimed more at adults than kids. Expect emotional themes involving disappointment, marriage strain, aging dreams, and mild language. While not inappropriate, younger viewers may find it slow or emotionally heavy. The movie is best suited for teens and adults who appreciate biopics and music-driven stories.

• We see a man wearing only a shirt and his tighty-whities in a few scenes.
• People get hurt and end up in the hospital.
• A young girl gets knocked up and delivers a baby.
• Talk of alcoholism and portrayal of AA meetings.

THEMES:

• Second chances

• The power of music to connect and heal

• Marriage and partnership

• Perseverance after failure

• Finding purpose later in life

• Tribute bands and “interpreters” of famous musicians

THINGS I LIKED:

• Hugh Jackman delivers a warm, grounded performance that feels authentic and deeply human. I absolutely adored him in The Greatest Showman. I’ve seen it a million times. He and Kate Hudson have great chemistry together. They are both Academy Award nominees. Together, they honor the persistence and inspiration of Mike and Claire Sardina.

• We get to see the real Claire Sardina in a short moment in the film as someone in the crowd. Today, she is still performing under the name “Thunder After Lightning.”

• The movie isn’t about Neil Diamond or his music, but one of regular people working hard on their dreams, experiencing hardships, and taking it one day at a time to move forward in life.

• I was a huge fan of Neil Diamond and his music while growing up! I loved hearing some of his greatest hits in this film. I have NEVER been anywhere when the song “Sweet Caroline” came on that everyone in the room didn’t immediately join in singing! It’s such a fun song. Neil Diamond’s songs were so contagious. I’m glad some of the younger generations will be introduced to him and his music in this movie. The music is used as emotional storytelling, not just nostalgia for fans.

• The rest of the cast gives solid performances and includes Academy Award winner Fisher Stevens, Michael Imperioli, Jim Belushi, Mustafa Shakir, and John Beckwith.

• The story is a gentle reminder that success doesn’t always look like fame.

• Ultimately, the movie is uplifting without being cheesy. Neil Diamond wrote a lot of songs about sadness. The story of the Sardinas is the perfect illustration of how we can move through our own sadness and disappointments, and keep going.

• We learn about the Marines “SMEAC”, which stands for Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration, and Command. It’s a way to break down a problem and find a solution. It’s a great idea to help us, non-military people, too!
• Amy Vincent does a great job with cinematography.
• Scott Bomar provides original music that is touching.

• According to the film’s director, Neil Diamond was moved by seeing the movie, tapping his foot, applauding, and even crying during a screening. He reportedly enjoyed it so much that he asked when he could watch it again. Actor Hugh Jackman shared that Diamond called him crying after watching the film, showing how emotionally connected Diamond felt to how his music and legacy were portrayed. That’s so sweet.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

• The pacing is a bit slow in the middle.

• Some scenes feel repetitive in driving the same emotional point.

• Viewers expecting a big, flashy musical may be disappointed.

• Supporting characters could have been more developed.

• I was fully expecting to see some photos or video clips of Mike and Claire Sardina during the final rolling clips, but they weren’t included in the film!

FUNNY LINES:

There are a few light, self-aware moments, especially around amateur performances and stage nerves, but humor is not the film’s main focus.

• “I guess we’re opening for Pearl Jam.” –   Mike/Lightning  (Hugh Jackman)

INTERESTING LINES:

• “I know you see magic all the time because you’re young, but I don’t.” –   Claire/ Thunder (Kate Hudson)
• “If you live long enough, you can see your dreams die a slow death.” – lady at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting
• “We’re all just looking for some hope, but at my age, hope is hard. Hope’s not enough.” – lady at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting
• “We’re all here doing the best we can, right.  Very, very best. And if we can just look out for each other, be strong, and above all, be grateful…maybe we can just, I don’t know, maybe we can turn things around, and we can make the world a better place. What do ya say?”  – Mike/Lightning  (Hugh Jackman)

MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU ALSO MIGHT LIKE:

• A Star Is Born:  https://amzn.to/4byYf8f 

• Begin Again:  https://amzn.to/49EonvQ 

• Crazy Heart: https://amzn.to/4pHRG6T

• Respect:  https://amzn.to/4qYFoYR 

WATCH THE Movie Review Mom YOUTUBE REVIEW WITH THIS LINK:

Coming soon!

@MovieReviewMom @TrinaBoice

Thank you so much for your financial support on Patreon!
Be sure to check out all of the gifts you can receive when you donate to Movie Review Mom on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/m/MovieReviewMom