Neil Diamond Tribute Movie Takes a Wild, Unpredictable Turn

At first glance, Song Sung Blue seems like a classic feel-good story. The film introduces a Neil Diamond tribute duo whose journey from obscurity to local fame feels both familiar and heartwarming. With Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson donning flashy wigs and belting out “Forever in Blue Jeans,” the setup promises a lighthearted, crowd-pleasing ride. The audience is drawn in by the chemistry between Jackman and Hudson, whose characters, Mike “Lightning” Sardina and Claire “Thunder” Sardina, fall for each other on and off the stage. The early scenes set up a traditional arc: a couple united by music, facing challenges, and ultimately triumphing through love and perseverance.

But just as you settle into the rhythm, the story takes a sharp, unexpected detour.

When the Music Stops: A Sudden Shift

The rise of Lightning & Thunder is abruptly shattered by a devastating car crash, leaving Claire with a life-altering injury. The film doesn’t shy away from the trauma, showing Claire’s frantic rush to the hospital and the family ’s stunned reaction. The tension escalates when Mike suffers a heart scare, forcing his stepdaughter Rachel to use a defibrillator in a desperate attempt to save him. The tone shifts dramatically, plunging the audience into a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty that stands in stark contrast to the film’s earlier optimism.

Director Craig Brewer leans into this tonal whiplash, blurring the lines between dream and reality as Claire’s hospital stay transitions into her waking up at home, struggling to adjust to her new reality. The narrative pivots to focus on Claire’s battle with depression and Mike’s shift from dreamer to the family’s anchor. The once buoyant atmosphere is replaced by a sense of heaviness that lingers throughout the rest of the film.

Endless Setbacks and Emotional Turmoil

From this point on, Song Sung Blue piles on the adversity. The Sardina family faces a relentless series of hardships: a teenage pregnancy, another car accident, a mental health crisis, and even a third car wreck. Each new blow feels more punishing than the last, leaving viewers to wonder if the film is intentionally toying with their expectations or simply overwhelmed by its own ambition. The story is rooted in the real-life struggles of Mike and Claire Sardina, whose resilience is remarkable, but the film’s relentless misfortune can feel more alienating than inspiring.

Even the moments that should feel triumphant—like the family’s plan to support Rachel or the big comeback concert staged in defiance of the real Neil Diamond’s performance—are tinged with the campy energy of the film’s opening. This lingering sense of irony undercuts the emotional impact, making it hard for the audience to fully invest in the characters’ victories.

Performances and Tonal Dissonance

The film’s uneven tone also affects its cast. Jackman and Hudson share a genuine connection, but at times it seems as if they’re acting in two different movies. Jackman thrives in the film’s lighter moments, channeling the showmanship that made him a star in The Greatest Showman. Yet, when the story demands deeper emotion, the tonal confusion makes it tough for him to find his footing. Hudson, on the other hand, carries much of the dramatic weight, delivering a nuanced portrayal of a woman masking her pain with relentless positivity. Her performance stands out, even as the film struggles to balance its competing moods.

Song Sung Blue is a film that defies easy categorization. Those expecting a straightforward celebration of Neil Diamond’s music will get their singalong moments, but they’ll also be confronted with a jarring shift that the movie never quite recovers from. The attempt to blend campy fun with raw drama is bold, but the result is a viewing experience that’s as perplexing as it is memorable.