Song Sung Blue (2025)

Set in 1987, a recovering alcoholic (Hugh Jackman) who works as a Don Ho impersonator at the Wisconsin state fair meets a part time hairdresser (Kate Hudson in an Oscar nominated performance) impersonating Patsy Cline at the same event. They fall in love and together form Lightning And Thunder, a Neil Diamond tribute band. Based on the 2008 documentary film of the same name and directed by Craig Brewer (HUSTLE & FLOW). I try not read too many reviews or pieces on films before I see them as they often tell us too much and I prefer seeing a movie knowing as little as possible and with no preconceived notions. I'm glad because this was a total surprise and not what I was expecting. It's funny, it's tragic and a wonderful musical. Even if you're not a Neil Diamond fan (and I'm not), this is a marvelous movie and when I call it old fashioned, I mean that as a compliment. Jackman is terrific but the movie belongs to Hudson. Kudos to director Brewer because the film could have been a cheesy "true story" bio instead of the minor gem we get here. With Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, Mustafa Shakir and James Belushi (very good!).