We start my list of the Best Movies Ever (from my personal DVD collection) with an unlikely candidate. That Thing You Do (1996) makes the cut at #15 because, well, it just makes me feel good!
Written and directed by Tom Hanks, That Thing You Do manages to take a trite, cliched storyline, add a perfect supporting cast and a hook that won't let go, and turn it into pure movie magic.
The film tells the story of a group of young Pennsylvania rock and rollers in the mid-sixties spinning their talent into one-hit wonder gold, reaching the top of the charts and becoming overnight sensations. Definitely a spin on the American reaction to the British Invasion, a la the Beatles, this fable could be the story of any number of American bands who attempted to reach the top of the charts. With the creative insight of their new percussionist, Guy Patterson, the Oneders (hilariously mispronounced as the Oh-knee-ders) are catapulted into a whirlwind of stardom faster than any of them are able to process what has happened to them.
Each of the band members deal with their stardom differently. Guy is in it for the love of music. The works of fictional jazz drummer Del Paxton (think Buddy Miles) speak to his soul. Jimmy Mattingly is the lead singer/guitarist and a serious songwriter, concerned only about recording his songs. He is more interested in communicating the passion within him then with the "bubble gum" pop demanded by the audience who come to hear "That Thing You Do". Unfortunately, his love for his music turns out to be his only true love and he ends up hurting the girl (played by Liv Tyler) who has poured her life into him. Lenny Haise is the rhythm guitarist and the clown of the troup. Played perfectly by Steve Zahn, Lenny's approach to success is that he is along for the ride and his enthusiasm can't help but make you grin. Last is the bass player who is known only as "The Bass Player" (Ethan Embry). He is the youngest of the troup and the quiet one. His true passion is to serve his country by joining the military, which he ends up doing before the story ends.
Of course, Tom Hanks manages to write himself in as the manager of the group. But this is a great casting move as Hanks plays the role perfectly without placing himself centerstage. The film is actually carried by the supporting cast, including earlier appearances by Charlize Theron, Giovanni Ribisi and Rita Wilson (Hank's wife).
So what is it about this film that would cause me to give it such high marks?
While the concepts of rags to riches are not new, Hanks and the cast breathe a freshness into them with three-dimensional characters, a witty and realistic script, excellent pacing and catchy tunes. It is about life and how circumstances can catch us off guard, propelling us into places we never thought we would go. Its about finding out who you are and staying true to yourself. And most of all, it is about pursuing your dream.
Who can't identify with the passion for having a dream, following that dream, and seeing that dream come to pass?
Best Scene: When Jimmy's girlfriend (Faye) unexpectedly hears "That Thing You Do" played on the radio the first time and runs through the streets screaming while heading towards the family appliance store where Guy works. The entire band is gathered on the way and proceeds to crank every radio in the place while dancing about in celebration. It is a warm moment of human jubilation perfectly captured on film. You can't help but smile along and feel as though you are part of the band.
I found The Wonders' Home Page, dedicated to That Thing You Do.
While this movie lacks the depth and scope of the remainder of my list, it makes up for it in warmth, charm and good old-fashioned fun. Besides, its got a good beat and you can dance to it.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
November 20, 2003 03:31 PM
Sounds like a good one! I haven't seen it but am going to rent it this weekend. Thanks for the great review!
November 22, 2003 02:04 AM
I watched this one (VHS) with friends while visiting them in Erie, PA the home of the Wonders. We took a drive downtown and could still make out some of the storefronts and street scene locations. Ahhhh, but the friends moved back to Ontario, Canada so no more trips to Erie. However, the friends are just 1 3/4 hrs. away now rather than 4 hrs! Oh yeah, the movie was good too.
"a warm moment of human jubilation perfectly captured on film" hmmmm, I gonna have to spend some time in my sensory deprivation station getting a little more introspective so that I can get beyond my usual movie ratings of GOOD or BAD and into something with a little more depth! ;)
December 12, 2003 08:43 AM
Wow Joel, I'm impressed. This shows a lot of depth. While my DVD collection is quite shallow compared to yours, you're picking films I would have on my list as well.
Question: Is Liv Tyler paid simply for her ability to cry in a film?
January 2, 2004 03:00 PM
Well... I also think the move has a lack of depth, but who needs depth when you can listen to the good music. I don't think that Tom Hanks intended it to have so much depth, more like.. good music and to show how bands in the sixtees were acting on stage, and how much strength it took to reach the top of the charts. I love the music. My fashination to that kind of music goes waaaay back! :o) See the movie!
January 6, 2004 08:45 PM
Hi.
Thanks for linking to my Wonders tribute page. Your comments about the movie are perfect. It makes me feel good too, but I could not manage to get it into words as you did. To feel good is the exact feeling, I guess.
Best wishes.
Marco
September 30, 2004 11:14 PM
this movie is pretty adequate, not a bomb but nothing great. hanks should stick to acting
December 2, 2004 06:10 PM
hello all.. this movie gets that song stuck in your head forever!how do i know, well if watched it for my grade 9 english class. its kind of heart warming at times and arivating at others. well see for yourslef.
have a good one
KK
December 8, 2004 02:59 PM
"that thing you do" has accidentally become one of my Favorite "Sunday afternoon" Movies.
( Movies I leave running on a Sunday as i Putz around the House doing other things)
Good acting, great characters, some great "Moments".
A+ for Tom. H.
Sincerely, Mark
December 29, 2004 05:44 PM
was there a real band from erie pa. or was this all fictious????if ti was a real band what was the real name and what was the band members real names ?i am from erie and never remember a band making it big
December 29, 2004 08:22 PM
Barb, the band is fictional.
January 21, 2005 02:50 PM
Towards the end when faye tells guy that jimmy is a genius and then she leaves. Guy says "if immy is a genius im outante(sp?)" who was outante?
January 26, 2005 12:35 AM
U Thant was the head of the United Nations in the early 60's.
March 16, 2005 04:43 AM
ORANGE COLORED SKY’s roots go back to 1962, when Larry Younger formed The Fabulous Epics in Erie, PA. The Epics soon moved to New York City and became the house band at the world–famous Peppermint Lounge. Years later, Tom Hanks would call them The Wonders and tell their story in his film ‘That Thing You Do’.
http://www.orangecoloredsky.com/historybtmframe.html
June 15, 2009 05:08 PM
I think Vinny Frazzini/Younger has something to do with this story
July 21, 2009 04:44 PM
I think if you haven't seen this it's a must. I knew Vinny in Erie when he
played with the Younger Brothers and where my sister Angela then joined them, after the Epic scene and the Peppermint Lounge. Paul Yoculan also sang and they preformed all over. Seeing them sing on this video brings back memories. I wish I could find videos out there when my siter also sung. Enjoy!
http://lakeeffect.us/BioAngie.html
Click on the link Epics