Movie Review: That Thing You Do (1996)
Synopsis: In 1964, an Erie, Pennsylvania garage band becomes an overnight local success with their song "That Thing You Do" and the group, The Wonders, soon find themselves on tour with a top-selling record. However, as their success grows, cracks begin to form in their friendship, threatening their ability to stay together.
Who's in it? The movie stars Tom Hanks, Liv Tyler, Tom Everett Scott, Steve Zahn, Johnathon Schaech and Ethan Embry.
Review: My wife was taking adult dance (tap) lessons, my youngest daughter was at theater rehearsal, and my oldest daughter was working on her homework so, since I had some free time last night, I wound up looking for a movie to watch. I've seen That Thing You Do multiple times in the past, but it had been a while. So, when I came across it, I ended up watching it again.
I did not regret that decision.
There are a couple things I really like about this movie, which came out just a couple years after I graduated high school. One of the main ones is it does a great job being a light--hearted comedy while, at the same time, pulling off the conflict/drama when needed.
Hanks' character, Mr. White, is especially great in this regard. He is funny and likeable yet, at the same time, there is just enough about his character to make you doubt if he truly cares for the band he is managing or just sees the dollar signs and nothing else. As a result of that, while there are times when he seems like a father figure, especially toward Faye (Tyler), it seems just as likely he'll throw them under the bus and replace them with the next big thing.
As part of the above, the band members themselves remained intriguing simply because they had a variety of motivations and work ethic. Jimmy (Schaech) for example, took things very seriously while Lenny (Zahn) clearly was just along for the ride and living in the moment. For the most part, they remained friends, but it was also clear the conflicts they did have weren't going to get resolved easily.
The other thing I liked about this movie is the music. Their big hit is the one that gets most of the screen time but some of The Wonders other songs were just as catchy, along with the snippets of songs from the other bands they were touring with. They were originals that fit perfectly with the 1960s setting.
My only real complaint is I feel like Faye just doesn't have a big enough role in the plot. Tyler is a talented actress, and that showed in this movie. Yet her character is mostly just there without much to do other than smile pretty, be in love with Jimmy and be cared for when she gets sick. It felt as though the writers originally wanted to set up a love triangle/conflict with her, Jimmy and Guy (Scott), decided not to do that (which, to be clear, I do think was the right decision), and just didn't know what to do with her after that.
Final Opinion: It's a fun and entertaining film that, even nearly 30 years after it was made, still is enjoyable. If you haven't seen it, take the time to watch it.
My Grade: A
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Here are some reviews of other movies from 1996:
Movie Review: Leprechaun 4: In Space (1996)
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