Customer Reviews

That Thing You Do!

5 star:		(200)
4 star:		(43)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(13)

 

 

Last week, I saw "That Thing You Do!" on one of the cable movie channels. I had not seen it for a while and had a couple of hours staring me down, so I sat back and watched it. The film itself is a nice piece of work by Mr. Hanks. He did himself proud. And that song! What a catchy, get-under-your-skin-in-your-brain pop tune!

Then, two days later, I was in Best Buy (humming That Thing You Do, by the way) and this new edition DVD appears before me unexpectedly, on sale. Without thinking, I bought it, took it home and I have watched it three times since (the theatrical release, once and the extended version, twice) and I will watch many times more.

This new release of That Thing You Do! underscores why "The Director's Cut" genre in DVD releases has become so invaluable to film aficionados like myself.

The theatrical version is priceless (still), but the "Director's Cut" is incredible and a major revelation. So many gaps in the plot have been filled in (gaps that I wasn't even aware of, so well put-together was the original version). This newer version has made the film a mini-masterpiece.

As in the original, the cast is excellent, the plot is believable and charming, the performances are funny, vibrant, true-to-life, and in this version, quite poignant.

Charlize Theron's character, Tina, and her relationship with Guy, in particular, suddenly become crucial elements to the early plot development (she is a minor character in the original version). Her character is fleshed-out, and she has one HYSTERICAL scene (in the dentist's chair) that caught me so off-guard with its humour, that I nearly choked to death with laughter!!

Even Tom Hanks character as the group's manager, Mr. White, becomes more developed and there is an interesting scene and dialogue when the group is in Los Angeles at "the same hotel Lucy and Ricky stayed at" between Guy (who is gently drunk), Mr. White and a guy named Lloyd.

Even The Bass Player (the Wonder's bass player who is never given a name), played by the adorable Ethan Embry, has a scene or two not in the original film that adds to the sweetness of his character (as well as some sly sexiness).

Liv Tyler's role as Jimmy's girlfriend, Faye, becomes even more developed and she is such a marvelous actress in this film. She really is the heart and soul of the movie, and the newer version only adds to her wonderful mystique in this film.

And of course, Steve Zahn as Lenny, is still as funny as ever and is the one band member who has no fear to "push the envelope" and ride the roller-coaster of success to wherever it takes them.

I recommend this new version of "That Thing You Do!" whole-heartedly. Whether it is the original or the extended-cut, it is a lively, spirited, upbeat and thoroughly delightful viewing experience.

And, I am STILL humming "That Thing You Do!"

This is a delightful movie, probably unlike any you've ever seen. All the characters are so well balanced and adorable, and their story is so well told that it makes you feel it's a true story about real people. It's refreshing, sweet, entertaining and charming.
A group of friends puts together a music band and they record a song. The song gets on the radio and quickly climbs the music charts, making them an overnight success. Their unexpected and speedily growing fame puts their relationships, as well as individual integrity and self-respect, to the test. Troubles arise, and with them the characters show their true natures, good and bad, making their musical career as a rock group as brief and ephemeral as lightning.
But despite the obstacles the characters face, a few good things derive from them, new relationships are formed, old ones are strengthened, and all the characters make the choices that allow them to successfully follow their dreams after having lived through a life-changing, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The score of the film is great and the songs are true to the style and the music of the sixties, which is the period in which the movie takes place. The clothing and sets are accurate and the characters are wonderfully adapted to the fads of the time. The writing, plot and dialogues are superbly well done (by Tom Hanks) and makes each and every character come alive, even those with just a few minutes of screen time. The cast is exquisitely chosen, including Tom Everett Scott, Liv Tyler and Tom Hanks, and their performances are natural and enjoyable.
This movie is a delight to watch time and again; each time you'll discover new details from the richly layered, yet realistic and simple personality of each character. A must-buy for anyone who likes a movie that tells a high-quality story through the eyes of interesting and refreshing characters.
--Reviewed by M. E. Volmar

My impression in watching this movie for the first time a few years ago is how Tom Hanks went to great lenghts to make you feel that this DID happen. (or could have happened).

The catchy tune of the same title plays like a classic. Along with the movie, check out the soundtrack and liner notes. (written by none other than Mr. A.M. White of Playtone records!) Interesting tidbits of information again form a very solid back story to this charming and funny movie.

Things like musicians last names come from Hanks' other favorite subject.. The space program. Starting with Wonders' members Lenny Haise & James Mattingly (they share last names with famous astronauts.. Fred Haise was part of the doomed Apollo 13 mission)

The theme song to "Mr. Downtown", a show about the exploits of one police sergeant named "Shakes" Lovell (probably named after Apollo 13 commander James Lovell) and the song "Voyage Around the Moon", a Ventures-ish surf rocker performed by the Saturn 5's, for a mulit-stage rocket used in the space program.

Hanks' gives impressive direction to a great cast. (Steve Zahn who plays Lenny just cracks me up every time) Every one did not only act very well in this movie, but made you really believe they could play. Tom Everett Scott who plays Guy Patterson, can play some mean drums!

This is a movie about friendship, individualism and honor.. set in simpler times... a must see!

Apparently the very-talented Tom Hanks is even more talented that we previously knew. Hanks has shown for some time that he is the closest modern actor to the late, great Jimmy Stewart in the superb naturalness of his acting in every movie genre from comedies to drama. But with this film he shows himself also to be a talented writer and director as well. The movie chronicles the rise and dissolution of a 1960's rock band which writes and records a single top-ten hit. Personally I've always wondered why so many early rock groups were one-hit-wonders. If a band is good enough to make one hit record, why isn't it capable of making several -- or at least a few -- more? The answer presented in this movie is that the one-hit Wonders self detruct due to a combination of ego conflicts, the pressures of success, and just the vagaries of circumstance. This movie could have been a mildly entertaining quasi-documentary. Instead, as written and directed by Hanks and played by the talented young cast he assembled -- the most outstanding of whom is Tom Everett Scott and Liv Tyler (who recently played the beautiful elf Arwen in The Lord of the Rings) -- this is a fun film from beginning to end. Frankly, I'm not much of a rock fan, but I loved this film. If you haven't seen it yet, please give yourself a treat and get this DVD.

That this is a charming, fun, all-ages film is obvious simply by listening to the title song, for which the film is named. It is 1964 and 4 pals have joined together to form a band. Thee band members are instantly recognisable as "types," but the performances are so genuine and heartfelt that we forgive two-dimensionality. The lead singer (the brooding genius) has written a catchy tune that allows the band to win a battle of the bands, which in turn lands them a gig at a diner, which in turn.... Well, you get the idea. The song eventually ends up at #7 on the Billboard chart. That is the beginning of the end for the Wonders, as they start to disintegrate as a band - the guitar player (the goofball) is content to enjoy the ride, the bass player (the straightlaced one) runs off to the Marine Corps, while the Brooder knows that the only way to develop is to get in the studio and cut an album of all original songs.

Holding the band together are the two central characters - Liv Tyler as the Brooder's girlfriend (and unofficial 5th member) and the drummer Guy. Guy grew up destined to stay in his home town, inheriting the family business (selling appliances). He sits in the basement at night with his beat-up drum kit and plays along with jazz records. At one point, he asks a bellhop where he can find some "good" jazz, and when he passes a skill-testing question ("Who played cornet on so-and-so's album in 1956?" Of course, Guy knows the answer), he is directed to a bar and ends up meeting one of his idols, a jazz pianist who is also in audience that night.

The great thing about the film is that it is straightforward and earnest. There are no artificial obstacles set in the band's way - Guy's father lets him go on tour without a second thought because he knows his son will never be happy as an appliance salesman. When the band starts its inevitable meltdown, it's because of the personalities of the band members being true to their personalities, not because some greedy executive is taking advantage of them, or some other external reason. We can therefore relax, knowing the plot isn't going to artificially jerk us around. We can laugh along at the antics on the screen and we're happy at the end, even knowing intellectually that we haven't grown as human beings in the process. The film is not perfect - the title song is overplayed like a catchy advertising jingle and you get a little sick of it. But because the rest of the film is so fun, we can forgive such small problems.

Comparisons with American Graffiti are inevitable. Although they have different subjects, they both try to invoke the fun of a simpler time in the United States, that of the prosperous and morally simplistic 60's, before free love, anti-Vietnam protests, and race riots. That Thing You Do! is sort of like American Graffiti lite, and it even includes a "what happened to the main characters" synopsis at the end. It's a measure of the heart of the two films that the Bass Player becomes a marine and survives his tours of duty in Vietnam, whereas Terry in American Graffiti is killed in his tour.

Unfortunately, I've deducted a star for the poor level of extras on the DVD. There are a couple music videos (besically full-length versions of the songs), a making of short (which is a shameless extended-trailer promotional bit), and that's about it. Tom Hanks is an interesting guy, and this is his directorial debut - why isn't there a director's commentary?

I LOVED THIS MOVIE! As a child of the 60s and a musician, I loved this movie from the first few minutes of it. The sets, the clothes, the music, and everything down to the small details is represented here to give a true feel for what the early to mid sixties were like, minus the politics and Vietnam.
Before radio music became a commercially diluted and corporate industry there were "garage-bands" galore and many of the little-remembered names of the genre started out as such. The Wonders in "That Thing You Do!" could easily be a number of bands that were a one-hit-wonder (or two or three) and then just disappeared from the scene. Nevertheless, they all helped shape some of the best music of that era, and Tom Hanks perfectly represents that phenomena in this movie.
If you remember the early 60's fondly, you should truly enjoy this film and it will probably bring back fond memories. The depiction of Erie, PA during this timeframe is probably representative of many small to medium size American towns and certainly brought back great memories for me of better times gone by.
The music rocks, the dialogue is hip, and the love story rounds it out perfectly.
Buy this movie and then by the CD soundtrack; you won't be sorry!
(**TRIVIA: another Tom Hanks produced movie, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", has a "That Thing You Do!" song played during the wedding reception - do you know which one?**)

I originally stumbled upon this movie on VH-1's "Movies That Rock". For several weeks it seemed that whenever I sat down and started flipping around the channels, this was playing on VH-1. After watching bits and pieces of it over this time period, I finally happened to tune in one night just as it was beginning. It's a rare movie in that I was able to comfortably watch it with my two children, and even more rare that they asked me to play the cd when we were out and about in the racing mini van. The two scenes that always get me are the scene where they play their first club date with Shades and he accidentally kicks the tempo of Jimmy's masterpiece up to it's correct level. The actors did a great job of portraying a group coming to terms with the fact that they've indeed caught lightning in a bottle. Another great scene is where they are first hearing the song on the radio. Several times I've found myself joining in on their excitement and I have to remind myself that this is just a movie. Well, it may be just a movie, but it's one that never seems to get old, and that has to be worth something.

What can I say about such a great movie?! It is a heartwarming, funny and extremely entertaining movie that my whole family enjoyed. We do not purchase movies, but we had to get this one along with the soundtrack!! Even my "cool dude" 16 year old son loves this movie so much, he takes it to parties! And his favorite song on the soundtrack (which both my children know by heart!) is "Lovin' You Lots and Lots". We listen to it while on the computer!! The casting was perfect! Tom Everett Scott was "wonderful" and Steve Zahn was hilarious!! I just loved the scene where he plays "Go Fish" with the two elderly gentlemen!! What a riot!!! I could go on about the other cast members too, they were all fantastic. I wish there were more movies like this that everyone can enjoy. Thank you Tom Hanks for being in movies and making movies that appeals to everyone and that you can take your whole family to see....Cheers to you!!

What I like about this movie, besides the fact that the whole family can watch it together, is that is has good music that sounds just like that of the Beatles in their early days (the title song makes me think of both "I Saw her Standing There", and "All My Lovin'", and "Come On, Pretty Baby" is reminiscent of "All I've Gotta Do"), and we get a little insight on why bands form, and how and why the priorities of band members change, causing them to break up by people are are actually showbusiness insiders. I like the bit of foreshadowing in the film when drummer Guy Patterson meets is idol and is warned about the pitfalls of the business. Guy emerges as the smart one because he's willing to get good advice from more experienced people. As for the character of Faye, we feel glad that she didn't end up with the band member that wouldn't have been right for her. We get hints at how her boyfriend, Jimmy, the lead singer, would have treated her had they been married when he doesn't try to go back for her when she is nearly left behind in Wisconsin, and he doesn't even think to ask about her or tend to her when she becomes ill en route to California, we catch him in a flirtation with a singer, and on the group's big night before a national audience, he doesn't even compliment her on how beautiful she looks, but accuses her of giving him her cold before he goes onstage. We can use the excuse of his being driven only up to a point. But in life, partners in any relationship ought to at least try to look out for each other, and it is clear that their relationship wouldn't have worked.It is also a lesson on how those in romantic relatinships should expect to be treated a fair bit of the time. The performances of all the cast members were good. I liked the portrayal of Guy's rock-solid Mid-Western family with a caring but firm father, a warmhearted, amiable mother, and a sweet, albeit befuddled kid sister. I appreciated the realism of Steve Zhan's goofball, Lenny, and the sense of nonentity about Ethan Emry's Base Player. Jonathan Schaech did a fine job as the handsome, intelligent but too-zealous-to-have-a-sense-of humor-about-anything Jimmy. It was interesting to see a paunchy, business-like Tom Hanks as their manager, Mr. White. The portrayal of Del Paxton is sufficiently earthy and likeable. All in all, this is such a fun, likeable movie that I'd recommend to anyone.

Lots of folks have commented on the accuracy and detail, particulary pertaining to the music, costumes and cars, of this sweet film. As someone who grew up in Erie, PA, Mr. Hanks also has done an admirable job...characteristically warm and winning...of capturing local details. 26th Street and Asbury Rd., where "Villapiano's" was "located," is now next to Tom Ridge Field at the Erie International Airport (great trivia question...what do TTYD, Tom Ridge, and the current pop band "Train" have in common...Erie). The station logo for WICU, references to Mercyhurst, Gannon, Koehler beer, foley art that included the Boston Store clock tower, the EMTA logo on the busses, WJET radio...all wonderful and nostalgic details that added to the films authenticity. Also, the wry awareness that the characters had about how Erie is perceived by the rest of the country (especially by Lenny: "Ya gotta be quick with me...I'm from Erie P.A.") was totally on. Some locals grumbled because it was shot elsewhere, but Mr. Hanks still got the details right. An enjoyable film no matter where you're from, but a real gold nugget for an Erie transplant.