Song Sung Blue (2025)
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2025-09 to 2026-08 · Missing measurements appear as gaps.
A couple performing as a Neil Diamond tribute band navigate the highs and lows of fame and personal tragedy.
The story
In 1987, musician Mike Sardina is hired to perform at the Wisconsin State Fair, where he meets Claire Stengl, a performer who eventually becomes his partner. Together, they form the Neil Diamond tribute band 'Lightning & Thunder.' The film follows their journey as they rise to fame in the 1990s, navigating the complexities of their burgeoning musical career and their deepening romantic relationship. As they become a local sensation, they must contend with the pressures of the spotlight while trying to maintain their personal lives and navigate the challenges of their evolving partnership in the heartland of American showbusiness.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In 1987, Mike Sardina is hired for the Wisconsin State Fair and meets Claire Stengl. They form the tribute band 'Lightning & Thunder' and embark on a successful career, eventually opening for Pearl Jam in 1995. In 1999, a tragic accident leaves Claire with a broken leg and Mike with a heart condition, leading to a period of personal struggle and health issues. They eventually find success again, performing at the Ritz in Milwaukee. After a final successful show where they meet Neil Diamond, Mike passes away. The story concludes with Claire continuing her journey, and her son playing a recording of Mike's voice.
- First release year
- 2025
- Runtime (minutes)
- 132
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Craig Brewer
- Writers
- Craig Brewer · writer
- Cast and characters
- Hugh Jackman · Mike Sardina a.k.a. "Lightning"; Kate Hudson · Claire Cartwright-Sardina a.k.a. "Thunder"; Michael Imperioli · Mark Shurilla, a Buddy Holly impersonator turned guitarist; Ella Anderson · Rachel Cartwright, Claire's daughter from her first marriage; King Princess · Angelina Sardina, Mike's daughter from his first marriage; Mustafa Shakir · Sex Machine, a James Brown impersonator; Hudson Hensley · Dana Cartwright, Claire's son from her first marriage; John Beckwith · Eddie Vedder; Fisher Stevens · Dave Watson; Jim Belushi · Tom D’Amato, Lightning and Thunder's manager
- Genres
- biographical; musical; drama
- Themes
- resilience; fame; partnership; overcoming adversity
- Tone and mood
- heartfelt; bittersweet
- Premise and plot tags
- biopic; musical; romance
- Source material / true-story basis
- 2008 documentary film of the same name by Greg Kohs
- Reception
- The film received positive reviews from critics and was noted for its heart and the performance of Kate Hudson.
- Reported review scores
- CinemaScore · score: A · scale: A+ to F
- Awards and nominations
- Golden Globe Award · Actor Award · nomination; BAFTA Award · Award · nomination; Academy Award · Best Actress · nomination
- Production trivia
- Neil Diamond granted the rights to use his music in the film.; The film was shot in New Jersey.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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