Many people will undoubtedly remember “That Thing You Do!” as the first movie written and directed by Tom Hanks. That, however, is one of many firsts that may prove more important in the annals of film history.
Tom Everett Scott plays Guy Patterson, a teen working in his family’s appliance store in Erie, Pennsylvania. Guy gets his “big break” when a local band’s drummer breaks his arm and he is called to sit in at a school talent show.
This is Scott’s first big role in a movie, and it certainly won’t be his last. He is perhaps the star that will shadow Hanks’s role in the film, and rightfully so. While “That Thing” is really an ensemble effort, Scott shines out above everyone else, and will be remembered as the star of this show.
The band, first called the “Oneders” (then the “Wonders” when everyone says it wrong), has one main song (not surprisingly called “That Thing You Do”) that doesn’t really have any popularity until Guy comes into the bands and kicks up the tempo.
All of the sudden the Wonders are the rage of Erie, Pennsylvania, and when a small time manager signs them, they become the rage of a slightly smaller area.
Enter Play-Tone records representative Mr. White (Tom Hanks). He hears the Wonders’ hit song, and wants to take them on tour. Once they are given snappy, matching suits and Guy gets a cool-looking pair of shades, the band is set, and they impress state fair audiences nation wide.
The plot seems interesting on paper, but on screen, it is extremely pointless. Due to the catchy music, though, one never notices, and the film cheerfully goes on.
Another important first in this film is the mass-marketed introduction of Liv Tyler. In the past year, she has amazed indie audiences with her small-budget vehicles “Empire Records,” “Stealing Beauty,” and “Heavy.”
She finally has an opportunity to be more widely recognized, and didn’t waste it. I don’t think it will be very long until Tyler becomes a bona-fide silver screen sex symbol - and a good actress on top of that.
Possibly afraid that it would have no point at all, “That Thing You Do” made the mistake of inserting romantic drama towards the end of the film. In a film that is so constantly happy, sadness of any kind really doesn’t fit, and detracts from the conclusion of the film; the film ends in another burst of happiness.
In an entertainment-first judgment, “That Thing You Do” was brilliant - when you’re not laughing, you’re tapping your foot - but if you’re expecting to think, you’ll be awfully disappointed. But the music is great; hours after the film, I’m still humming that theme song.
Grade: B