Cover bands can usually be fun to hear performing at local, smaller venues when the original musical acts are either currently touring larger locations or they are no longer performing, at a fraction of the cost. Just because they’re not the authentic acts doesn’t mean they’re not talented.

Oftentimes, they can look, move and perform quite similarly, if not better than the real thing — but not always. Hugh Jackson returns to the musical genre for the 2025 awards season in the biopic, Song Sung Blue, as Neil Diamond receives his overdue recognition via a tribute band that is based on a true story.

Multi-hyphenate filmmaker Craig Brewer brings this tale to the big screen, opening with Mike “Lightning” Sardina (portrayed by Jackman), questioning his current role as a Don Ho impersonator. He’s not a songwriter. He’s not a sex symbol. He just wants to entertain people. But when he decides to take his talents to a totally different direction, transitioning toward a musical idol, he must fully realize that he doesn’t look like Neil. He doesn’t sound like Neil, but he’s gotta be Neil, all while being himself. Got it?

Joining him on this journey is Claire “Thunder” Sardina (Kate Hudson), who gives Mike this idea, originally. Believing in him, they become Lightning and Thunder: A Neil Diamond Experience. Separately, they are two down-on-their-luck Milwaukee musicians, struggling to make ends meet. But when they join forces, the pieces seem to finally fit into place.

And just when things start looking like they’re about to become a successful duo, a reckless driver hits Claire while she’s working in her yard, sending her to the ER. Eventually losing part of a leg and one of her feet, he’s losing her. Will Lightning and Thunder ever get off the ground?

“Why I gotta be anybody other than me? I should be enough.”

Hudson and Jackman make marvelous music in Song Sung Blue.
Photo Courtesy: Sarah Shatz/Focus Features

Lightning is an unstable recovering alcoholic with a “jacked-up heart,” having been sober for 20 years but tempted to return to his old ways when things turn South. Thunder is clearly afraid, possibly suffering from poor mental health, almost losing her life not once, but twice. Married way too soon, they prove it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

The highlight for me is seeing Hugh Jackman possibly give up his successful superhero gig forever in order to belt some Diamond jams in dingy locations, even though this isn’t his first time singing on screen. He has an extensive background on Broadway but also see The Greatest Showman (2017) for more evidence. Scruffy closeups and gray hairs make Jackman look older than he probably wants, but paired with Hudson, these characters are allowed to look more mature and feel more vulnerable than they have in quite a while.

As the local legends attempt a comeback, I can’t help but notice the script. Crafty wordplay will always win me over. And at times, Song Sung Blue feels like a masterpiece by writer-director-producer Craig Brewer; other times it is simply entertaining. Based on the documentary by Greg Kohs, I’ll be pulling for the pair to receive big-screen recognition along the awards circuit and now that I’ve seen this film, I’ve got to see the doc!

And speaking of award nominations, Kate Hudson really showed me something, here. As a nepo baby, I’ve never really been a fan of the actress throughout the years, but with this role, she showed me heart. She showed me dedication. She showed me her acting range, as I felt like she could actually be a Wisconsin resident. But more importantly, she actually proves that she can hold a tune or two, as well. While some scenes are blatantly obvious that the leads are lip syncing, the soundtrack provides all the evidence you’ll need, as Jackman and Hudson really recorded their songs.

That single factor was huge for me, but the total presentation won me over for Hudson, and I’m not the only one. Widely released on Christmas Day in movie theaters, the film has already won a handful of awards and Hudson has especially received individual recognition with the Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy Golden Globe nomination.

Already off to a strong start, this movie is full of great acting, very good singing and a snappy script, holding Neil Diamond in high regard. As Lightning clearly states early on in the movie, he doesn’t want to be a Diamond impersonator; he wants to be a Diamond interpreter. Song Sung Blue interprets the musician like a boss.

Not all cover bands are crappy. Heck, even though I no longer attend many concerts these days, I’d pay to see Jackman and Hudson performing together. In fact, that could have a been a great promotional tour for this film. And a nice moneymaker. Ya really missed out on that extra word of mouth, Focus Features!

“Don’t you see? Lightning can strike the same place twice!”