That Thing You Do!

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tom Everett Scott, Liv Tyler, Steve Zahn, Giovanni Ribisi, Charlize Theron, Kevin Pollack (cameo), Ethan Embry, Rita Wilson, Clint Howard
Directed by: Tom Hanks
Rating: PG
Genre: Musical, Comedy
1996

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: In the early 1960s, a pop band called The Wonders hits it big with their single, "That Thing You Do!" After a high profile manager (Tom Hanks) joins to help them out, there seems to be no limit to how high they can climb. However, the strain of the music industry and fighting within the band threaten to destroy all of their success.

Review:

Tim: That Thing You Do! is the directorial debut of Tom Hanks. He does not do a superb job, but he manages to make a pretty good film. This is not a disaster and many first time directors have made much, much worse films. All things considering, I would say Hanks can have a long career as a director if he so chooses.

By far the best part of this movie is the song "That Thing You Do!" It is catchy and original and this film would be nothing without this amazing song. Every time it comes on you just feel happy and enthused about the movie. It is the glue that holds this entire film together. It makes the movie believable.

Hanks is excellent in a small supporting role. Liv Tyler sparkles in perhaps her best role to date. She is incredibly likeable here. Tom Everett Scott is pretty decent in the lead role, but he is a little goofy and a little too over-the-top to be enjoyable.

That Thing You Do! is actually a really good look at the rise and fall of a popular band, including showing all the pitfalls that accompany a group that achieves too much success too quickly. On top of all of that, Hanks ends his film with a romantic touch that is actually quite memorable and touching.

All things considering, this is a flawed movie, but a very enjoyable one. Hanks should be proud of his first effort behind the camera and I sincerely hope he works there on many more films to come.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



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