That Thing Something Special
December 2nd 2008 03:11
Tom Hanks is no one trick pony, of that there is no doubt. Like him or loath him, the former funny-man has consistently expanded his range and repertoire throughout his successful career, including a number of stints off camera with impressive writing, producing and directing credits in his CV.
Take for instance the charming 1996 dramedy, That Thing You Do, Hanks first - and only - effort as writer, director, and producer.
Set in the early to mid-60s, and post Beatlemania, That Thing You Do focuses on a fictional band, The Wonders, made up of a few erstwhile locals from Erie, Pa. Led by primary composer and lead singer, Jimmy, with Lennie (Steve Zahn) as the lyricist and lead guitarist, Chad the rhythmically challenged drummer, and an unnamed bassist, the boys write the eponymous ballad, and are planning to enter the local college's talent night. With $100 up for grabs as first prize, the boys are all psyched about the chance of splitting the Charlie.
But tragedy strikes, and Chad breaks his arm goofing around leap-frogging parking meters. It is Jimmy's girl, Faye (Liv Tyler) that suggests Guy as the fill-in, who spends his days running the floor of his father's appliance store, and nights banging away on his drum kit to the legends of jazz.
Guy steps in and quickly outshines Chad in rehearsal. On the day of performance, he leads off with a much faster beat, turning the ballad into a teen hit. It's not long until they are the headliner act at the premier pizza restaurant in Eerie, Villapianos, where they cut a single of their hit, and get discovered by a talent scout.
Wooed to sign with the promise of gigs in Pittsburgh, and Steubenville (?), the boys head to their first theatrical performance, and bomb! Dejected by the crowd's reception and their own ineptitude, the band is uplifted by an offer from a label to sign on. At this point in steps Mr. White (Tom Hanks) as the record label guy, who swiftly has them signed, sealed and delivered. Their record hits the charts, and starts its meteoric rise, and the band experiences the ups and downs of being a one-hit wonder.
In case readers are worried about the virtues of what is a Rock and Roll movie, rest easy. That Thing You Do is set pre Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll - it's only Rock ‘n' Roll ('and I like it!!'). Hanks has cleverly crafted a charming and enjoyable movie not only about the 60s before things got complicated, but about an art form, though controversial at the time, that isn't a patch on the ills of today's music scene.
Above all, That Thing You Do is a fun piece of nostalgia, for those who were there, and an enjoyable history lesson for those who weren't. Rated G, there is nothing to offend, only plenty to enjoy.
Take for instance the charming 1996 dramedy, That Thing You Do, Hanks first - and only - effort as writer, director, and producer.
Set in the early to mid-60s, and post Beatlemania, That Thing You Do focuses on a fictional band, The Wonders, made up of a few erstwhile locals from Erie, Pa. Led by primary composer and lead singer, Jimmy, with Lennie (Steve Zahn) as the lyricist and lead guitarist, Chad the rhythmically challenged drummer, and an unnamed bassist, the boys write the eponymous ballad, and are planning to enter the local college's talent night. With $100 up for grabs as first prize, the boys are all psyched about the chance of splitting the Charlie.
But tragedy strikes, and Chad breaks his arm goofing around leap-frogging parking meters. It is Jimmy's girl, Faye (Liv Tyler) that suggests Guy as the fill-in, who spends his days running the floor of his father's appliance store, and nights banging away on his drum kit to the legends of jazz.
Guy steps in and quickly outshines Chad in rehearsal. On the day of performance, he leads off with a much faster beat, turning the ballad into a teen hit. It's not long until they are the headliner act at the premier pizza restaurant in Eerie, Villapianos, where they cut a single of their hit, and get discovered by a talent scout.
Wooed to sign with the promise of gigs in Pittsburgh, and Steubenville (?), the boys head to their first theatrical performance, and bomb! Dejected by the crowd's reception and their own ineptitude, the band is uplifted by an offer from a label to sign on. At this point in steps Mr. White (Tom Hanks) as the record label guy, who swiftly has them signed, sealed and delivered. Their record hits the charts, and starts its meteoric rise, and the band experiences the ups and downs of being a one-hit wonder.
In case readers are worried about the virtues of what is a Rock and Roll movie, rest easy. That Thing You Do is set pre Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll - it's only Rock ‘n' Roll ('and I like it!!'). Hanks has cleverly crafted a charming and enjoyable movie not only about the 60s before things got complicated, but about an art form, though controversial at the time, that isn't a patch on the ills of today's music scene.
Above all, That Thing You Do is a fun piece of nostalgia, for those who were there, and an enjoyable history lesson for those who weren't. Rated G, there is nothing to offend, only plenty to enjoy.
| 25 |
| Vote |
Shared on
Subscribe to this blog
