Thescreescore – In a curious twist of cinematic fate, Hugh Jackman’s latest critically lauded biopic, Song Sung Blue, is poised to surpass the global box office earnings of one of his most infamous, Razzie-winning endeavors, Movie 43. This unexpected financial juxtaposition highlights a fascinating narrative in the actor’s diverse filmography, where critical acclaim and commercial performance don’t always align in predictable ways.
Released on December 25th, Song Sung Blue delves into the compelling true story of the Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning & Thunder. Jackman delivers a compelling performance as Mike Sardina, the "Lightning" half of the duo, alongside Kate Hudson as Claire Sardina, "Thunder." The film has garnered significant praise, boasting a "Certified Fresh" 77% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and an impressive "Verified Hot" 98% from audiences. Many reviewers, including Alex Harrison from Thescreescore, have lauded the "delightful chemistry" between its stars and the film’s ability to transcend its documentary predecessor, even if some dramatic beats felt less impactful. With a reported budget of $30 million, the film has already recouped its production costs, accumulating $30.7 million worldwide, with $25.6 million domestically and $5.1 million internationally.
In stark contrast stands 2013’s Movie 43, a notorious anthology film that earned the dubious distinction of a Razzie for Worst Picture, alongside Worst Director and Worst Screenplay. Despite featuring an ensemble cast of A-list talent, including Jackman in a segment titled "The Catch" opposite Kate Winslet, the film was savaged by critics, holding an abysmal 5% on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences not far behind at 25%. Its plot, a series of outlandish vignettes pitched to a Hollywood executive, failed to resonate. Yet, despite its critical failure, Movie 43 proved a surprising financial success, grossing $31.2 million globally against a modest $6 million budget.
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The impending crossover of Song Sung Blue‘s earnings past Movie 43‘s total presents a unique moment in Jackman’s career. While his current biopic is a critical darling, its box office trajectory, though healthy, won’t reach the blockbuster heights of his Wolverine outings. However, the film’s steady performance indicates strong audience engagement and positive word-of-mouth. After eclipsing Movie 43, Song Sung Blue will set its sights on surpassing other films in Jackman’s extensive catalog, with Someone Like You ($38.7 million) and Scoop ($40.1 million) next on the worldwide chart. Fans eager for Jackman’s next cinematic ventures can anticipate his roles in The Sheep Detectives and A24’s The Death of Robin Hood, both slated for release in 2026.
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