Do you like Neil Diamond’s music? If YES, continue. If NO, just move along.

Song Sung Blue is a delight for Boomers and Gen-Xers who like Neil’s tunes. The movie has plenty of Neil Diamond songs.

Most of the tunes are performed by Lightning (Hugh Jackman) and Thunder (Kate Hudson), a married Milwaukee couple who play casinos and other venues.

Along with the music, Song Sung Blue has a story. Lightning is the stage name of local band member Mike who has a “meet cute” at the state fair with Claire whom he dubs Thunder. Both are divorced parents. Mike is a recovering alcoholic. They click professionally AND they get married!

The music is fun. The movie starts strong with good vibes. Kate Hudson looks great and sings great, too. They even get booked to open a Pearl Jam concert! Then, a tragic accident derails the joy. Will Thunder and Lightning rebound from the bad break life has thrown their way? Come on, what do you think?

As special as Kate Hudson’s performance is in Song Sung Blue, let’s not forget Hugh Jackman. He’s a total pro and a good singer, too! 

Also in the cast are Fisher Stevens as Mike’s dentist and manager and Jim Belushi as a casino bus driver. Michael Imperioli appears as one on of T & L’s band members. Mike’s daughter Angelina (King Princess) and Claire’s daughter Rachel (Ella Anderson) manage to bond and are vital to their parents’ story.

Thunder and Lightning were real life performers in the Milwaukee area. This film is based on a documentary about the pair. Song Sung Blue tweaks a few of the elements of their story for dramatic purposes.

During my radio career I played Neil Diamond songs almost every day from the late 60s through the late 80s. My wife and I saw him perform in the late 70s and Song Sung Blue was the (almost mandatory) sing along song. It was a fun show. So I was already inclined to like this movie. I do like it.

If you’re a Neil fan, the only question is what song will you be singing to yourself when you leave the theater after seeing Song Sung Blue? The crowd pleaser Sweet Caroline? The almost sacred Holly Holy? The Monkees hit written by Neil I’m A Believer? The title song? For me, surprisingly, it was Forever In Blue Jeans. 

Song Sung Blue was written and directed by Craig Brewer. It’s rated PG-13.