I've somehow known the titular song for ages, it's a legit great song that truly understands the soul of 60s pop music (straightforward songwriting that balances sweetness and melancholy; unique, unpredictable chord progressions; colourful production; harmonies; etc.). Unfortunately the movie it's attached to feels more like an excuse to indulge in 60s nostalgia than a real artistic endeavour. It all feels a bit formulaic and predictable for my taste, this is a light feel-good film that ultimately doesn't leave much of an impression. There's not a whole lot to these characters and it's surprisingly light on laughs. The theme of artistry vs the music industry that's hinted at by the synopsis never really comes to the foreground either. In fact, what you're getting here for the most part isn't too far off from all those musician biopics that followed in the footsteps of _Bohemian Rhapsody_. I constantly kept thinking about how I'd much rather see a film that's focussed on this band struggling to recapture the glory of their hit single. Add to that a director who's clearly still trying to find his footing (some awkward/on the nose edits & janky performances; the main song is repeated way too often) and you have an end result that just isn't all that great. Still, Hanks occasionally displays a sense of style and effortlessly captures the feeling of the time period. It's not enough to stop this from feeling middle of the road and forgettable, but there are some redeeming qualities.

4/10

That Thing You Do! is a charming and nostalgic look at the 1960s music scene, capturing the rise and fall of a fictional one-hit wonder band. Even though the era isn’t from my generation, the film does a wonderful job of recreating the atmosphere and excitement of the time. Its portrayal of the music industry feels warm and believable, making it easy to get drawn into the story.

The cast is strong all around. Tom Everett Scott, as the band’s drummer and central character, gives a very good performance—it’s a shame he didn’t become more well-known after this. Liv Tyler is quietly compelling as the supportive girlfriend, and Johnathon Schaech is convincing as the brooding lead singer. Tom Hanks, who also directed, brings a steady hand and understated charm as the band’s manager.

The humor is subtle and effective, never overplayed, which suits the tone of the movie well. On the downside, some of the characters are a bit stereotypical—the moody artist, the over-eager dreamer—but they serve their purpose without feeling too forced.

The cinematography doesn’t stand out, but it works for the story being told. The music, however, is a highlight. “That Thing You Do” is a great song and fits the film’s premise perfectly, though by the end, hearing it repeatedly gets a bit much. Still, it reinforces the idea of the band being a one-hit wonder.

The romantic subplot is sweet but predictable, especially the connection between Scott’s character and Tyler’s. It’s a nice touch but doesn’t add much surprise to the story.

Overall, That Thing You Do! is an enjoyable and heartwarming film. It captures the era well and delivers solid performances, even if it leans on some familiar tropes.

My rating: 7/10.

I’m glad I watched it, but I wouldn’t revisit it, even with friends. It’s more of a “once is enough” kind of film for me.

**Tom Hanks gave life and affection to this project, which easily reminds us of the golden years of rock-and-roll.**

The film is a very nice story that revolves around the world of ephemeral "rock and roll" stars. In 1964, a group of youngsters from Pennsylvania suddenly emerge from obscurity when their garage band, the Wonders, achieve fame and success on the back of a single song, "That Thing You Do". Believing in a potential that might not exist, the scouts of the music world waste no time and the boys get a contract with a major label, which is waiting expectantly for equally good songs. However, sudden fame will test the strength of the group, the maturity and responsibility of that guys and their ability to resist the temptations that money and notoriety always make possible.

Tom Hanks is more than a protagonist, he is the engine that pulls the film and makes it possible. He had achieved fame at the expense of good comedies like “Big” or “Money Pit”, but he had his consecration in films like “Sleepless in Seattle”, “Philadelphia”, “Forrest Gump” and “Apollo 13”. In addition, he already had two Oscars on his shelf, so he had the means to leverage a project he liked, and there is no doubt that he liked this one, and it was the lever that made it go forward. And contrary to what often happens in these situations, he didn't want the lead role: it's in a reasonably more modest role that we see him, a role where he doesn't fail to stand out.

The main role is assured by the band's boys, played by Tom Everett Scott, Johnatton Schaech, Steve Zahn, Ethan Embry and Giovanni Ribisi. All quite young, still at the beginning of their respective careers, all capable of relatively slick and honest work, especially Scott, who is given a little more visibility. We also have to highlight the pleasant participation of Liv Tyler and Charlize Theron.

The film is quite light, lively and cheerful, even in the most tense moments, and in which it takes paths that could make it denser, more dramatic and profound, which it always avoids. That was a conscious choice, I'm sure, and that's debatable. Where the film stands out is in its attention to historical details, in the care with which it seeks to recreate the era and environments through the choice of suitable props, good costumes and make-up, as well as a set of excellent sets. And being such a musical film, the soundtrack is unavoidable and vibrant, with songs that stay in the ear and where the main melody, created especially for the film emulating the aesthetics and taste of the time, deserves a very special highlight.