Sorry, this movie sucks

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

Tom Hanks writes, directs & co-stars in this 1996 comedy-drama which stars Tom Everett Scott, Liv Tyler and Steve Zahn. This takes place in in 1964 where we meet teen, Guy (Scott) who dreams of becoming a musician. He and his friends record a song, "That Thing You Do!" which becomes a hit and he and his friends skyrocket to fame as band, The Wonders. In the process, their lives start to change. Hanks plays Mr. White, a record manager that takes them under his wing, Tyler plays Faye, Guy's friend and Zahn plays their other friend, Lenny. Hanks' wife, Rita Wilson and Charlize Theron also appear. This is a good film with a great cast and good luck getting the song out of your head because it plays quite a bit, but still catchy. I recommend this.

Anyone who was in a band since the 60's should LOVE this movie. Also the quote by session musician Del Paxton (Billy Cobb) "Ain't no way to keep a band together. Bands come and go. You got to keep on playin', no matter with who" really hits home for me !!! Great Movie with perfect casting !!!

That Thing You Do (1996): Dir: Tom Hanks / Cast: Tom Hanks, Tom Everett Scott, Liv Tyler, Steve Zahn, Ethan Embry: Reflecting on the music and talent of yesteryear with fresh talent hoping to gain the same recognition as their famous peers. Set in 1964 where a group of young adults form a band and write an overplayed song called "That Thing You Do." Tom Hanks becomes their manager and the group becomes the One-ders. Trouble strikes when the band slowly falls apart and they go separate ways. Structure is repetitious but the conclusion bares fact. Directing debut for Hanks who successfully captures the 1960's as well as the struggles of the music industry. He also provides a moral centre in a small but pivotal role as the band's manager. Supporting roles are effective but subdued by predictable writing. Tom Everett Scott seems to be the most durable as he seems to have his heart into it fully. Liv Tyler plays a girlfriend abandoned by another band mate. It is obvious that she will end up with Scott but her closing speech to her ex bares truth. Steve Zahn provides some humour as someone who quits the band to join the military. Superb production gives convincing view of 1960's and the music industry during the period. The film regards making it in an industry without promise and those who cannot see the road ahead due to lust for fame. Score: 8 / 10

I don't know why the critics were so harsh on this movie. I thought it was great. Without being specific to any one band, it tells the story of so many bands from the 1950's-1960's. This is the only movie I can recall that tells the story of how a local garage band becomes a one-hit-wonder, and how they move from local radio to #1 in the country, to oblivion - in a matter of (what seems like) weeks.I appreciated that the movie didn't portray anyone as the villain. There was no evil record company, no diabolical agent. It was the music business, and a band with a catchy song - each one made each other some money. How they captured the feel of the late 50's so well without seeming cliché - I have no idea,A fun, memorable movie.