That Thing You Do! (1996)

PG | 1h 48min | 7/10 | #Comedy #Drama #Music

Parental Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested, Some material may not be suitable for children.)

➱ STORYLINE:

In "That Thing You Do!" (1996), a small-town Pennsylvania band achieves brief but intense fame when their titular song unexpectedly hits the big time. Drummer Guy Patterson, played by Tom Everett Scott, steps in to help the band after their original drummer breaks his arm, leading them to stardom. As they navigate the highs and lows of the music industry, the band members learn about friendship, love, and the reality behind their dreams of fame. The film captures the excitement of the Beatlemania era with a heartfelt nostalgia and an infectious soundtrack that echoes the 1960s pop music vibe.

➱ STAFF REVIEW:

Tom Hanks's "That Thing You Do!" is a delightful and energetic look at the music industry, capturing the innocence and excitement of the 1960s pop scene. The film's original music, particularly the catchy hit single, is convincingly period-appropriate and drives the narrative forward. The ensemble cast delivers charming performances, with their chemistry and the script's witty dialogue making the story both engaging and authentic. Hanks's direction and screenplay highlight the ephemeral nature of fame while celebrating the joy of music and the bonds it creates.

➱ CREDITS:

Director: Tom Hanks

Written by: Tom Hanks

Starring:

- Tom Everett Scott as Guy Patterson

- Liv Tyler as Faye Dolan

- Johnathon Schaech as Jimmy Mattingly

- Steve Zahn as Lenny Haise

- Ethan Embry as T.B. Player (The Bass Player)

Produced by:

- Gary Goetzman

- Edward Saxon