That Thing You Do! (2007, DVD)

This is one of those movies that I just have to watch at least a couple of times a year. Indeed, my old VHS tape of this has been run through the mill, but it still holds up just fine. I initially saw this in the theater and just had to buy the thing when it was released on video.

This 1996 release was directed by Tom Hanks, who also played the part of Mr. White -- a kind of producer/agent type for the mythical Play-Tone record label. Our story starts out with a local band (called the Oneders initially, but switched to the Wonders later on so as to avoid confusion) that talked Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott) into playing drums at a talent show. The original drummer broke his leg while goofing off and jumping over parking meters (one of the funniest scenes of the film, by the way) and Guy was needed to play on the band's ballad, a tune called "That Thing You Do."

The song didn't stay a ballad for long as Guy decided to give it a fast drum beat during the title show. The thing became a local hit and got the band a steady gig and some airplay. Hanks came in and recruited the band to play in a nationwide tour of state fairs featuring artists from the Play-Tone label.

So, that's the plot in a nut shell. This movie is complete in that we get to see the band's sudden rise to fame and follow the Wonders through their rather short career. This movie is a very sentimental look at rock n' roll shortly after the Beatles made it big in America, and is just darn charming from start to finish.

Some of the things that make this film wonderful include Guy's amazement at success, Liv Tyler running down the street in a pair of tight pants and Steve Zahn (who played Lenny, lead guitarist for the band). Zahn, of course, plays his typical wise-guy character that one can't help but like. Also noteworthy is Ethan Embry (who was just known as The Bass Player in the film) and Johnathon Schaech, who plays Jimmy. Jimmy is the lead singer for the band and a bit of a jerk.

Another thing worth mentioning is the title song, which sure sounds like a catchy, fun mid-60s hit that was influenced by stuff from the early Beatles. While I enjoy the song, anyone who hates it is in for a miserable time -- that song is played over and over again throughout the film.

Entertaining, too, is the rather idealized world of mid-60s pop and record promoter Mr. White, who represents a rather cynical businessman out to make a buck. In short, this thing is a bit of a fairy tale with enough humor, likeable characters and even a bit of romance in it. While it's a bit of a "lightweight" in terms of films about music, its nothing but fun and something one wouldn't mind showing to everyone in the family.

All in all, it's just hard to hate this film, and the subtle humor and good-time feel of this movie make it very worthwhile. Give it a shot if you're in a mood for pure entertainment and comedy that lacks the cynical, snotty edge that we've grown so used to these days. Sure, it's a fairly predictable film, but it's done quite well and leaves no loose ends by the end of it.