That Thing You Do!, released in theaters on October 4, 1996, the delightful and nostalgic directorial debut of Tom Hanks, is a joyous and remarkably authentic look at the fleeting nature of pop stardom in the mid-1960s. The film centers on the explosive, six-week career of a fictional rock-and-roll band called The Wonders, and its plot is driven by the infectiousness of a single, perfect song.
The story begins in Erie, Pennsylvania, where Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott), a jazz-loving drummer, is recruited to fill in for a local band’s talent show performance.
The group, fronted by the intense songwriter Jimmy Mattingly (Johnathon Schaech), needs a last-minute song, which Jimmy has already written.
However, during the performance, Guy improvises a faster, snappier drum beat, inadvertently transforming the ballad into an irresistible, upbeat pop smash.
This tune, “That Thing You Do!,” rockets the band including bassist (Ethan Embry) and rhythm guitarist (Steve Zahn) from local stages to national fame.
As their hit climbs the charts, The Wonders are quickly signed by the shrewd and experienced talent manager, Mr. White (Tom Hanks). White guides them through the tumultuous landscape of instant celebrity, including recording sessions, television appearances, and promotional tours.
The narrative is as much about the music as it is about the changing dynamics within the band and the sacrifices made for fame.
This whirlwind is observed through the eyes of Faye Dolan (Liv Tyler), Jimmy’s patient, but often overlooked, girlfriend.
The film perfectly captures the style and energy of the early Beatles era. Its legacy lies in its warm, sincere tribute to the era of garage bands and its accurate portrayal of the music industry machine.
That Thing You Do! is a charming story about ambition and artistry that is further enhanced by memorable supporting appearances by Charlize Theron, Giovanni Ribisi, Alex Rocco, Bill Cobbs, and Rita Wilson.
Kevin Pollak, Chris Isaak, Peter Scolari, Clint Howard, Gedde Watanabe, Robert Ridgley, Marc McLure and Bryan Cranston round out the impressive cast.
“That Thing You Do!” won Best Original Song at the Golden Globe Awards.
Tom Hanks in That Thing You Do! (Photo/20th Century Fox)
Reception for That Thing You Do!
That Thing You Do! grossed $6.2 million on its opening weekend, finishing third at the box office behind The First Wives Club ($11 million) and The Glimmer Man ($7.6 million).
The film would gross $34.6 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave the film three out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
That Thing You Do! remains a beloved, feel-good classic that asks whether a band can survive once their one perfect song fades from the charts.
