Song Sung Blue (2025), directed by Craig Brewer

A Vietnam veteran and reformed alcoholic, musician Mike Sardina’s stage name is Lightning and he wants to perform as himself, rather than as an impersonator. When he meets Patsy Cline interpreter Claire, they develop a Neil Diamond tribute act as Lightning and Thunder and start to do more than just scratch out a living. As success beckons fate intervenes, threatening to derail them and when they overcome a huge issue for Claire it’s then Mike’s turn. This is a story of people with talent struggling to make ends meet doing what they love; State’s Fairs, theatre restaurants and karaoke nights, small gigs and the occasional bigger break. Most in their community will never make it to the top, or anywhere near it, but they all keep trying. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson bring warmth to the lead roles, allowing wrinkles and love handles to make their imperfect characters real and relatable. It’s a great showcase of Neil Diamond songs and there is strong support from the band and a great performance from Ella Anderson as Claire’s daughter. It’s an unexpectedly small film, moving and well done.