Notes From the Movie Room December 31, 2025

 

🎬 Yesterday, I went to one of my local multiplex theaters to see SONG SUNG BLUE, the new film starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. There was a review in my local newspaper that got me intrigued enough to go out into the cold weather and check it out. When I first heard about this movie, I thought it was a Neil Diamond biopic, but, of course, it's actually about a real-life tribute band called Lightning & Thunder, dedicated to Diamond and his music. Having never seen a tribute band in my life, this is a culture I'm totally unfamiliar with. The two leaders of Lightning & Thunder were Mike and Claire Sardina, and a documentary, also called SONG SUNG BLUE, about their lives and experiences with the band, had been released in 2008. I don't know how much of the film was fictionalized, but this is one hell of a fascinating story. 

This movie had me pulled in from the very beginning. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson both gave fantastic performances. I knew Jackman was a good singer, but I had no idea Hudson could sing as well. She also surprised me with her acting talent. I'd only seen her in a few films and didn't find her all that impressive, but she really showed depth in playing this character. As for Jackman, I'd only seen him a few times as well, not including any of his famous superhero flicks. So, I need to explore more of his work. I'd also like to see the 2008 documentary about the real-life tribute band. 

Not only am I excited about the film, I was also pleasantly surprised by my theater experience. When I go out to see a movie, which is less and less frequently, I always go in the afternoon to avoid those evening crowds. Imagine my shock when I saw a full parking lot and hordes of people, including kids, going in and out of the multiplex. I don't know what was going on, but I guess the holiday had something to do with it. It had been quite a while since I'd seen that kind of a crowd. The movie was supposed to start at 3:15, which meant there would be 20 minutes of previews to begin with. When I went into my screening room, it was jammed. My seat on the aisle was occupied by a woman about my age. I told her in a matter-of-fact tone that she was in my seat. She replied that the woman in front of her was in her seat. I just stood there and looked at her, and she very nicely got up to discuss the situation with the lady in front. It all worked out amicably. If I'd found a disgruntled teenager in my seat, it may have turned out differently. Considering the large crowd, I anticipated some bad behavior. However, the crowd was incredibly well-behaved and quiet. No phones went off during the long run of the film. Maybe the audience was as engrossed in the film as I was. I have to admit this was a positive experience all the way around and I was reminded of the old days of enjoying a movie with a big crowd. A perfect way for a cinephile to close out the year. It gives me hope for the future. Happy 2026, everyone!!