“I’m a Believer” that certain films simply just sing. SONG SUNG BLUE demands audiences to “Play Me,” as it’s one of the best times and most heartfelt experiences you’ll have with a “HUGE” group of strangers at the movies this year. Trust me, you should avoid being a “Solitary Man,” and see it with others so you can experience the “Holly Holy” ups and downs of Mike (Hugh Jackman) and Claire (Kate Hudson).
Director Craig Brewer (HUSTLE & FLOW) has captured the art of what it’s like to try to make music in SONG SUNG BLUE. As an audience, when you are let into the world, it’s like being drunk on “Red Red Wine,” with a buzz that lasts. Brewer also knows that musicals work when the songs propel the plot forward at an emotional level, instead of just existing like a boring “Red Rubber Ball.” And in SONG SUNG BLUE, each Neil Diamond song is a repeated “Cherry Cherry” on top of that, which allowed me to sing “I’ve Got the Feeling” that it will easily make my best list of 2025.
Please hop into “The Boat That I Row,” and let me explain. Most biopics follow traditional elements that hit all the same “Forever In Blue Jeans” beats. However, there are a few that reinvent themselves within the trappings of a biopic to tell a story that’s so much more. It’s a “Cracklin’ Rosie” effect that will leave you feeling energized and exhausted.
Despite Hugh Jackman continuing to be the greatest showman, this is Kate Hudson’s ‘Longfellow Serenade” to hopefully sneak in with some award nominations. She has the hardest part in the film, and I will be upset if critics “Don’t Bring Me Flowers” to give her at the end of the year. She’s a “Kentucky”Woman who overcomes adversity, especially in the second act of the movie.
As for Hugh Jackman, “I’ve Been This Way Before” in my praise for him. And SONG SUNG BLUE is no different as we get to experience all of the Neil Diamond songs performed gloriously. What “I am… I said” saying is that he’s on point as usual, as we see him capture Mike’s optimism and spirit. Romantic films are usually targeted toward the younger generation, so I’m thankful to see a true love story with two individuals in their 40s-50s who bring all their baggage to the relationship.
Final Thought: “The Last Thing on My Mind” is that by the end of SONG SUNG BLUE, you will be singing “Sweet Caroline” and realize that music and Mike and Claire’s story have a healing… “Shilo” effect.
You will “Thank the Lord for the Night Time” when this film is released on December 25th, 2025.
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One additional note – the documentary that SONG SUNG BLUE is based on is available on YouTube, and it’s also a 🤩