The year is 1964 in Erie, Pennsylvania. Guy Peterson works at an electronics store with his parents while reaching out for his dream to play drums for jazz music. One day, Guy's friends Lenny and Jimmy ask Guy to be the drummer for their rock band, The Oneders, after Chad, their other drummer, broke his arm. Guy eventually accepts and the band made their debut at a talent show. There, the group introduced what would be their well-known song, "That Thing You Do". The talent show performance was a success and it earned the Oneders a spot at a pizza shop. After a fan asks for a record for their song, the group decides to do a record. Shortly after, some stranger in a camper gave the band a deal to make them big by selling the record on the radio. Surprisingly, it made it on the air, and everybody went crazy that day. Soon afterwards, The Oneders get a professional manager named Mr. White and now being called The Wonders, make it to the top. Question is: will they remain popular at the top for long?
I actually grew up with this movie. My mom showed this movie to me when I was three or four years old because I loved the 60s music stylings of The Beatles and all. Also, this was the first movie in my life where I notice great acting in a movie. Great performances by Tome Everett Scott as Guy "Shades" Peterson, especially when he goes: "I AM SPARTACUS!!!". Very funny acting from Steve Zhan as Lenny, like when he was playing Go Fish with those dudes. Liv Tyler was a great girlfriend to the group. And Tom Hanks was as serious as ever like most of his masterpieces. (Especially ones that he has written and directed.) So, if you're into rock and roll 1960s style or a retro junkie in general or just looking for a good '90s flick with a combination of comedy and music, grab a friend or your family and rent Tom Hanks' That Thing You Do!.
Parents Guide: This movie is rated PG for some language and sensual content. Some naughty humor here and there. There is a riot scene, only there is no close ups of the violence and the catastrophe is discussed in a scene after. Lots of drinking and smoking. And of course, bad language. Parents, if you choose to watch this with your kids, don't let them repeat this language.
Trivia: An extended version with some deleted footage was released on DVD in 2007. Film debut of Tom Everett Scott. Tom Hanks' wife, Rita Wilson, makes a cameo as a waitress. The band's appearance in that beach party movie is supposed to be parallel to the Frankie and Annette beach movies. The name of the bass player would later become one of the greatest mysteries in movie history.
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| In loving memory of my mom who died almost one year ago today. |
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| I think this says it all. |
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