the mommy avenger

Every once in a while, a movie sneaks up on you.

That’s exactly what happened with Song Sung Blue.

We saw a secret screening of this film. One of those “show up at this time and place, trust us” kind of things. No trailer. No synopsis. No expectations. I honestly thought it might be a small indie or something quirky that I’d politely enjoy and forget about by the next school pickup.

Instead, I walked out genuinely impressed.

This movie is a great story. The kind that lingers.

Song Sung Blue is based on a true story, and you can feel that authenticity in every scene. Hugh Jackman plays Mike and Kate Hudson plays Claire, two musicians who have both taken a few too many hits from life. They’re talented, but stuck. Bruised. A little worn down. Very human.

They find each other through music and end up forming a Neil Diamond tribute band called Lightning and Thunder. What starts in a garage slowly grows into dive bar gigs and then something bigger than either of them expected. There’s joy. There’s hope. There’s that intoxicating feeling of finally doing what you love with someone who truly sees you.

And then, because life is life, tragedy hits.

What I loved most is that the film doesn’t rush past the hard stuff. It sits with grief, disappointment, and fear, but it never loses its heart. At its core, Song Sung Blue is about resilience. About how music can heal. About how it’s never too late to chase a dream or fall in love again.

Hugh Jackman is phenomenal here. His performance feels raw and lived-in, and his vocals are powerful without being showy. You believe him as a man pouring his heartbreak and hope into every song. It’s one of those performances that reminds you why he’s so respected as both an actor and a performer.

Kate Hudson absolutely shines. She brings warmth, vulnerability, and quiet strength to Claire. This role earned her Golden Globe and Actor Award nominations, and it makes sense. She captures that complicated mix of longing, fear, and determination so beautifully. Her chemistry with Jackman is undeniable and never feels forced.

Together, they’re electric.

Directed and written by Craig Brewer, who also brought us Hustle & Flow, the film has soul. It honors the power of music, especially the timeless influence of Neil Diamond, without turning into a gimmick. The performances feel intimate, the humor feels earned, and the emotional beats hit exactly where they should.

It’s no surprise the film earned an “A” CinemaScore and a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. This is the kind of movie people connect with because it feels real.

Song Sung Blue stars Academy Award nominees Hugh Jackman (Les Misérables, The Greatest Showman) and Kate Hudson (Almost Famous, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days) and arrives exclusively on digital platforms to buy or rent on January 13, 2026. It will also be available on Blu-ray and DVD on February 17, 2026 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

If you love bonus content, the digital and physical releases include extended musical performances like “Sweet Caroline” and “Crunchy Granola Suite,” behind-the-scenes featurettes, and commentary from Craig Brewer. It’s a great peek backstage into how this story came together.

Giveaway Time

Because this is such a feel-good film, I’m excited to share it with you.

Two lucky readers will win a digital download of Song Sung Blue.

To enter:

• Email me at themommyavenger@hotmail.com and tell me your favorite song that instantly lifts your mood.

Winners will be chosen at random and contacted via email on or about January 20, 2026.

This movie reminded me how powerful music can be and how beautiful it is when people refuse to give up on themselves or each other. I’m so glad we stumbled into that secret screening, because Song Sung Blue is one I won’t forget anytime soon.

If you’re looking for something heartfelt, inspiring, and genuinely well done, put this one on your list.

Trust me.