Critics Have Seen Hugh Jackman’s Song Sung Blue. Do They Think The Musical Biopic Is ‘So Good, So Good, So Good’?

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Recent musical biopics like Jeremy Allen White’s Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere and Timothée Chalamet’s A Complete Unknown have been popular with audiences. Now, before the 2026 film schedule begins, Hugh Jackman stars in Song Sung Blue, which tells the story of Mike and Claire Sardina, the duo behind the Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning & Thunder. Early reviews are in, and critics generally find the film a bit cheesy and sad, but ultimately enjoyable.

Even before hitting theaters, this film was receiving rave reviews, including a 2026 Golden Globe nomination for Kate Hudson, which her fellow actor felt she earned. Kristy Puchko of Mashable agrees, describing Hudson’s performance as “absolutely extraordinary.” According to the critic, director Craig Brewer managed to create a movie that’s both heartwarming and emotionally moving.

As a movie lover, I have to say Brewer really nailed it with this one. The story is beautifully told, and the actors are phenomenal. But it’s the way the music—Neil Diamond’s songs, specifically—is woven into the film that really got to me. It’s an incredibly moving experience – seriously, it’ll make you laugh, cry, and feel all sorts of things. Trust me, you’ll want to have some tissues handy, and it’s definitely a movie you’ll want to share with friends. Get ready to feel ‘Song Sung Blue’ in a whole new way – it’s a truly special film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Kate Hudson’s performance receives praise from Alonso Duralde at The Film Verdict, who notes she truly embodies her character. While acknowledging the movie is somewhat cheesy, Duralde argues that’s perfectly fitting for a celebration of Neil Diamond’s music and his fans. He adds:

Craig Brewer’s film about the story of Mike and Claire could have been a somber one, but instead, it’s an upbeat and optimistic portrayal of love, ambition, and the irresistible appeal of the Diamond catalog of songs. The movie’s script is sometimes overly sentimental, and viewers unfamiliar with the true story will likely overlook its dramatic embellishments and historical inaccuracies.

Variety’s Owen Gleiberman describes Song Sung Blue as a charmingly nostalgic film with a surprisingly somber undercurrent. He praises Hugh Jackman’s vocal performance, noting it perfectly embodies the qualities fans admire in Neil Diamond’s distinctive voice – its powerful resonance and fluid delivery. Gleiberman does point out that the film’s momentum falters briefly when Claire faces a difficult situation, but…

Hudson delivers a powerfully emotional performance that truly anchors the film. It’s raw and unrestrained acting, stripped of any unnecessary detail. The connection between Hudson and Jackman is more than just chemistry; it’s a deep emotional understanding that becomes increasingly touching as their characters, Mike and Claire, reconnect and, through the spirit of Neil, begin to heal.

As a total movie buff, I read Bob Strauss’s review in the San Francisco Chronicle and he really nailed it! He said Hugh Jackman was absolutely perfect for his role, and Kate Hudson? Apparently, she’s incredible – a real revelation! He summed it all up by saying Song Sung Blue is just impossible not to love. It sounds fantastic!

The performances aren’t flashy or complicated, but they perfectly capture the heartfelt affection fans have for Neil Diamond. It’s not about wild enthusiasm – think more along the lines of a gentle, nostalgic appreciation. The documentary beautifully illustrates the deep love millions feel for Diamond’s sincere, if somewhat quirky, music. Combined with his inspiring story of overcoming obstacles, it’s a genuinely moving experience that even the most cynical viewer might find touching – and admit they enjoyed it.

Johnny Oleksinski from the New York Post rated the film 2.5 out of 4 stars, noting that while the music and performances are decent, the emotional impact falls flat and the movie is ultimately disappointing.

The film’s uneven tone is a weakness; despite aiming for an uplifting experience, it ultimately leaves the viewer feeling down. It’s a strange effect, especially considering the time of year! What prevents the movie, which is inspired by a true story, from becoming overly depressing is the charming chemistry between its lead actors and the memorable, heartfelt music of Neil Diamond.

Currently, critics give Song Sung Blue a 72% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 54 reviews. It’s likely a good choice for Neil Diamond fans and anyone looking for a feel-good movie, especially during the holidays. The film, which tells the story of Lightning & Thunder, will be released in theaters on December 25th.

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2025-12-23 16:40