10. (TIE) THAT THING YOU DO!
Release Date: October 4th
Cast: Tom Everett Scott, Liv Tyler, Johnathon Schaech, Steve Zahn, Ethan Embry, Tom Hanks, Charlize Theron, Giovanni Ribsi, Peter Scolari, Rita Wilson, Chris Isaak, Bryan Cranston.
Random Cast Note: Paul Feig, director of Bridesmaids, Spy, and the upcoming Ghostbusters film, had a role in the film
Director: Tom Hanks
Why I Love It (Logan Fowler): I caught That Thing You Do! on TV many years ago when I had HBO. It was a random viewing, but oh man, when it was over, I was in love. Expertly directed by Tom Hanks, the film tells the tale of four guys who hit it big with one song back in the ’60s. Their tune climbs the billboard charts, they go on tour, and then, as bands often do, they fall apart. The plot is not exactly new, but the actors make it a really fun and entertaining ride the whole way through. Tom Everett Scott, Steve Zahn, Ethan Embry, Jonathan Schaech, Liv Tyler, and the aforementioned Hanks are all wonderful in their portrayals and really make the movie so wonderful.
To the credit of the film, the band is 100% fictional, which makes it more original than a “based on a true story” deal. The Wonders actually perform a few more songs in the film than the titular tune, which makes the movie all the more real. I dare you not to download the catchy song that is played consistently by The Wonders. It is so good that you don’t even tire of it by the conclusion of the movie.
I don’t know how That Thing You Do! performed at the box office upon its release in 1996, but I don’t really care. The movie is a breath of fresh air, a breezy watch and has a phenomenal soundtrack. I love it so much.
Best Line: “I Am Spartacus!” Uttered by Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott), who is the drummer of the band. The line is a quote from the Kirk Douglas film Spartacus which came out around the same time the film is set in. Guy says it several times over the course of the film, as he feels responsible for the success of the band, which is factually true. However, the final time he says it, he is met with an odd look from Steve Zahn’s character, which is possible foreshadowing for the downfall of the band.
Best Scene: It would be easy for me to say that anytime the band performs “That Thing You Do” is my favorite scene, but ultimately it’s probably near the final third of the film where The Wonders belt out “Dance with me Tonight,” which sounds like it is straight of the The Beatles’ library. It really nails the time, which the head bopping girls, words of the music, and the atmosphere. I proudly have that song on my iPod. It’s so good.
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