Jul 27, 2012

That thing you do! [1996]



I saw this 1996 comedy, written and directed by Tom Hanks, a long time, on TV, and loved it, for its characters and story, but most of all, for its song, which I still like. Actually, that was the reason I decided to watch it again- I came across 'That Thing You Do' and I said to myself I have to see it again. The film tells the story of a young 1964 band who suddenly comes into the spotlight, as their song becomes a hit all around the country.

The script is simple, sweet and catchy. It doesn't aim to be an award-winning one, but it does want its viewer to be entertained and happy. There are a lot of great scenes, full of energy and youthfulness, like the one when their song is put on radio for the first time, or the screaming girls at the back door exit. It makes you smile, dance and love the characters, but it does also feature moving scenes and back-to-reality moments, as the band falls apart and realise they fell into the trap of the one hit wonder curse.

Speaking of casting, I loved it- you had everyone from Steve Zahn as the wacky guitar man, to the sweet Ethan Embry as the bass player and Tom Everett Scott as Guy Patterson, who is an obvious Tom Hanks wannabe in the making- that being said, he was very charming and played his part very well; I wonder what he's doing now, I haven't seen him in a long time. I have a small crush on Liv Tyler, so of course I liked her character, and I have to mention two fantastic cameos: Chris Isaak, as Uncle Bob, who helps them record their first song, and Brian Cranston..aaa, yes Brian Cranston- it's a very brief moment, you might have missed him, I did, the first time I saw the film, but a couple of nights ago, I literally screamed his name when he appeared on screen.

Just to remind you what the fuss is about, here is the song you can't get out of your head, the one that was nominated for several awards, including Golden Globes and Oscars:
                                

You may not like That Thing You Do like I do but you should  give it a try next time you need to see something light- It's always an easy distraction and a very enjoyable one. 

10 comments:

  1. Good review Aziza. This flick had some nice performances and some great tunes to just jam out to, but there was nothing all that special about this flick in the end really. It was fun for the time it was on-screen, and then when it was over, you sort of forget about it.

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    1. Hm....that is true, you do forget about the movie, but the song is hard to get out of your head :)

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  2. I like this film. Whenever it's on, I'll watch it. It's such a joyful film to be engrossed by. I have seen the extended cut once and I prefer the shorter theatrical cut. The extended cut is alright but doesn't have the exuberance of the theatrical cut.

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    1. Thanks for telling, then I won't watch it- I'm not a big fan of extended cuts, but I will give Almost Famous a try, I heard it's great!

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  3. Good review. This is a really underrated film that not many people talk about anymore - even though that song was EVERYWHERE at the time this came out and a lot of great talent was associated with this film.

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    1. I agree, a lot of talent in this movie, maybe that is why it's so successful!

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  4. Woah, hey is has Liv and Charlize and I haven't seen it? Oh, definetly adding this to my watchlist.

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    1. You haven't seen it? you have to, right away! it's fun, sweet and light, try it :)

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  5. How could ANYONE not like this movie?! Sure it's cliche, but it does everything so WELL, and it hits all the right notes! Funny, sweet, just a touch of drama, and such great music!

    I definitely wore out the cassette tape :)

    - Tippi

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    1. Hi Tippi, nice to have you around! I agree, it hits all the right notes, it's very cool!

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