Director: Tom Hanks
Genre: Comedy/
Drama
Runtime: 108
minutes
Year:
1996
Starring: Tom Everett
Scott, Liv Tyler, Jonathan Schaech, Ethan Embry, Steve Zahn, Tom Hanks,
Charlize Theron, Giovanni Ribisi, Bill Cobbs, Kevin Pollack, Rita Wilson, Chris
Isaak
Description: A local Pennsylvania band scores a
one-hit wonder in 1964 and rides the star-making machinery as long as they can,
with lots of help from their manager (Tom Hanks)
Review: “That Thing You Do” follows a young, ambitious group of young men, in the
1960s, that love music. They start a band. When their drummer breaks his arm,
right before an important show, they hire Guy Patterson. He has a different
view on music and tries something more up-tempo. This works well and it turns
their band, “The Wonders”, into a rock ‘n roll sensation.
It’s the directorial debut
of star actor Tom Hanks, who also wrote the script. Hanks also has a role as
the manager, but wanted young actors to steal the show. Jonathan Schaech plays
lead singer Jimmy, who is very ambitious and talented, but the stardom changes
him. Steve Zahn is always excellent at playing the funny supporting characters
and does that very well in this movie. Liv Tyler, as Jimmy’s very supportive
girlfriend Faye, is lovely as ever. But the real star is Tom Everett Scott, as
Guy Patterson. This was his first movie he starred in. Tom Hanks first didn’t
want him to star, because he resembles a young Hanks. His wife Rita Wilson, who
also has a small role in the movie, finally convinced him. And it was the right
choice, because Tom Everett Scott steals every scene he is in.
“That Thing You Do” is one
of those fun comedies you can watch over and over again, and you never get
tired of it. Even when the song, titled ‘That Thing You Do’, is played so many
times. Because you hear it a lot! It’s the perfect movie for a night you don’t
want to think too much and just enjoy a fun film.
Rating: 4/
5
