That Thing You Do!

(out of 5)

Tom Hank's debut of being a director/screenwriter was fortunately not a flop. The story is about the rise and fall of a spirited 60s band called "The Wonders," who experience the energy of stardom by producing the renown hit "That Thing You Do." But Hanks isn't exactly new to the nostalgic scene. His lead in the blockbuster hit Apollo 13 had a pretty nifty amount of nostalgia itself.

The script is written quite well, and Hanks didn't fail to leave out some interesting tidbits of the 60s "Turn on, Tune in, Drop Out" Era. Kids will get a kick out of how their parents were like during this rebelious age of Rock n' Roll, spiffy hair cuts, and quirky dance moves such as,"the swim."

But don't expect only music. Hanks actually had the courtesy to show some "behind-the-scenes" footage (acted out footage, of course) of how some television programs in the 60s were compiled. Now some people may not like this idea, and may argue that this is a waste of film, but I think it is very clever. It might of subconsciously conveyed Hanks experience with the business behind-the-scenes--rather than just starring in the spotlight, he operates the spotlight.

In a recent interview with the press, Hanks made his point of how the song "That Thing You Do" improved each time it was played. At the very end of the movie, the song is supposedly more harmonious, and has more rythym, than any other version played earlier in the film.

I did notice the difference, but I wouldn't mind hearing that springy song again. Hanks chose a great song, considering many audiences did not get sick of it every time the band "did that thing they did."

The only complaint I have about this film is that Hanks did not place ANY familiar 60s tunes in the film soundtrack. He did however, place some faux characters in the flim that may have portrayed the popular bands back then. That Thing You Do features a girl singing group called "The Chantrellines," who are very much like the renown 60s girl group "The Supremes."

Not to sound peevish, but what makes the film all the more appealing is probably how "cute" the whole package is--the catchy tunes, interesting characters, and the upbeat atmosphere accompanying the sickeningly sweet storyline...well golly gee, it just makes you feel good!

Liv Tyler plays the lead singer's girlfriend, and she performs quite well. One of the truly joyful benefits of seeing this film is watching the reactions on the bands' faces, when their manager (Hanks himself) shows them that they are number 97 on the TOP 100 Billboard List. They all go hysterical, and yell a bunch of "whoopees," as if they are number one on the list!

This film isn't all based on comedy. The film has many heartfelt moments--Hanks knows how to push all the right tear-jerker buttons! So be prepared!

Starring in a romance himself (Sleepless in Seattle), Hanks also manages to put a little affection connection into That Thing You Do. With a surprising ending and a Hollywood twist, this Tom Hanks feature film is sure to make you do "that thing you do," time after time again.

Rated: PG

20th Century Fox

Cast/Credits:

Tom Everett Scott .... Guy Patterson
Liv Tyler .... Faye Dolan
Johnathon Schaech .... James Mattingly II
Steve Zahn .... Lenny
Ethan Randall .... The Bass Player
Tom Hanks .... Mr. White
Charlize Theron .... Tina
Obba Babatunde .... Lamarr
Giovanni Ribisi .... Chad
Chris Ellis .... Phil Horace
Alex Rocco .... Sol Siler
Bill Cobbs .... Del Paxton
Peter Scolari .... Troy Chesterfield
Rita Wilson .... Marguerite
Chris Isaak .... Uncle Bob
Kevin Pollak .... Boss Vic Koss
Robert Torti .... Freddy Fredrickson
Chaille Percival .... Diane Dane
Holmes Osborne Jr. .... Mr. Patterson
Claudia Stedelin .... Mrs. Patterson
Dawn Maxey .... Darlene Patterson
Jack Milo .... Villapiano
Keith Neubert .... Dentist
Lee Everett .... Kitty


Directed By: Tom Hanks
Written By: Tom Hanks
Produced By:
Jonathan Demme, Gary Goetzman, Terry Odem and Edward Saxon


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