Hugh Jackman's Song Sung Blue: A Musical Journey Worth Taking?

Hugh Jackman is back on the big screen, this time in a musical biopic that has critics talking. Song Sung Blue tells the story of Mike and Claire Sardina, a couple who form a Neil Diamond tribute band called Lightning & Thunder. The movie hits theaters on Christmas Day, and early reviews are in. Critics agree that it's a mix of sweet and sad, with a lot of heart. Kate Hudson's performance is getting a lot of praise. She was nominated for a 2026 Golden Globe, and many critics think she deserves it. Kristy Puchko of Mashable calls her performance "absolutely extraordinary. " The movie is directed by Craig Brewer, who manages to make it both feel-good and tearjerking at the same time.Alonso Duralde of The Film Verdict also praises Hudson for her authentic portrayal. He admits the movie is a bit corny, but that's part of its charm. The film celebrates Neil Diamond's music and the people who love it. Owen Gleiberman of Variety calls Song Sung Blue a "winning pop nostalgia trip with a dark side. " He notes that Hugh Jackman's voice perfectly captures Neil Diamond's style. The movie slows down when tragedy strikes Claire, but it picks up again. Bob Strauss of the San Francisco Chronicle says Hugh Jackman is perfectly cast, and Kate Hudson is a "revelation. " He thinks the movie is "impossible to resist. " However, not everyone is on board. Johnny Oleksinski of the N. Y. Post gives it 2. 5 out of 4 stars, saying that what's supposed to be moving just comes off as a bummer.