That Thing You Do! Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A jazz-loving appliance store employee speeds up a sad song, accidentally creates a hit, and briefly becomes a teen idol before everyone realizes they peaked too soon.

🍿 That Thing You Do!: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Oneders Form

In Erie, Pennsylvania, 1964, Guy Patterson, a jazz enthusiast working at his family’s appliance store, gets a chance to play drums for a local band, The Oneders (pronounced ‘oh-need-ers’), after their drummer breaks his arm. The band, led by songwriter Jimmy Mattingly, initially plays ballads, but Guy speeds up the tempo of their song ‘That Thing You Do!’, transforming it into an infectious rock and roll hit.

Rise to Fame

The Oneders’ energetic performance of ‘That Thing You Do!’ quickly gains popularity, leading to gigs at local venues and radio airplay. They attract the attention of a manager, Phil Horace, who helps them secure a record deal with Play-Tone Records. Under the guidance of A&R representative Mr. White (Tom Hanks), the band changes their name to The Wonders and embarks on a whirlwind tour.

Touring and Success

The Wonders experience the highs and lows of sudden fame as they tour state fairs and appear on television. Jimmy struggles with creative control, while other band members embrace the attention and opportunities. Tensions rise within the group as their fame grows, and personal relationships begin to unravel.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott): A jazz-loving drummer who unexpectedly finds fame after joining a local band and changing their sound.
• Jimmy (Johnathon Schaech): The talented but creatively stifled lead singer and songwriter of The Wonders.
• Faye Dolan (Liv Tyler): Jimmy’s supportive girlfriend who becomes disillusioned with his ego and finds a connection with Guy.
• Lenny (Steve Zahn): The carefree and enthusiastic guitarist of The Wonders, who enjoys the ride of fame.
• Mr. White (Tom Hanks): The professional and experienced A&R representative who guides The Wonders through their brief success.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mr. White: “Now, I’m not gonna bullshit you. These chains of justice are gonna need some link, and that link is gonna be a record deal.” – Mr. White explains to the band the importance of signing with a label to further their success.
• Lenny: “Are you crazy? A man in a really nice camper wants to put our song on the radio! Gimme a pen; I’m signin’, you’re signin’, we’re all signin’!” – Lenny’s enthusiastic, humorous reaction to the opportunity for their song to be played on the radio.
• Faye: “I want to share my life with someone. I want kids, I want a family. I want to sit on a porch and watch the sunset with someone for the next 50 years.” – Faye expresses her desire for a stable and loving future, highlighting her contrasting priorities with Jimmy.
• Del Paxton: “It is the hippest. It’s from Chad.” – Del Paxton describes Guy’s drum solo, showing his respect for Guy’s drumming skills and potential.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $26,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $25,857,416
• Worldwide Gross: $34,585,416

💥 That Thing You Do! Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely love this movie! From the moment Guy speeds up “That Thing You Do!” at the talent show, I’m hooked. It’s such a feel-good story, and I always find myself singing along. The scene where they first hear their song on the radio always gives me goosebumps. It reminds me of simpler times, even though I wasn’t even alive in the 60s! Plus, Liv Tyler is so radiant in this film. It’s one of those movies I can watch over and over again and never get tired of.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1960s music”
  • “Those who enjoy feel-good movies”
  • “Tom Hanks fans”
  • “Anyone interested in the story of a band’s rise to fame”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some suggestive situations”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Tom Hanks’ directorial debut is a charming, nostalgic look at the 1960s music scene. While the story is familiar, the film’s heart and infectious energy make it a delightful experience, capturing the excitement of early rock and roll.
• The New York Times: “That Thing You Do! is a sweet, sentimental film that celebrates the joy of music and the fleeting nature of fame. Tom Hanks’ captures the era’s innocence. Although the story is predictable, the film’s sincerity and catchy soundtrack make it a worthwhile watch.
• Rolling Stone: “A loving tribute to the one-hit wonders of the 1960s. Hanks directs with a keen eye for detail. The soundtrack is infectious, capturing the spirit of the era. The film may be light, but it resonates with its authenticity.

Audience Reactions

The upbeat music and nostalgic feel make it a perfect comfort movie.: Audiences praise the film’s catchy soundtrack, charming performances, and feel-good atmosphere.

Tom Hanks’ direction captures the innocence and energy of the 1960s music scene.: Many viewers appreciate the film’s attention to detail and authentic portrayal of the era.

Overall Consensus: A charming and nostalgic film that captures the spirit of the 1960s music scene with a catchy soundtrack and heartwarming story.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Original Song)- 1997
2. Golden Globe Award (Best Original Song – Motion Picture)- 1997

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Tom Hanks wrote the screenplay, directed, and co-starred in the film, marking his feature directorial debut.”
• “The title song, ‘That Thing You Do!’, was written by Adam Schlesinger of the band Fountains of Wayne, and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.”
• “Tom Everett Scott’s resemblance to a young Tom Hanks almost cost him the role of Guy Patterson; Hanks was initially hesitant due to the similarity but was convinced by his wife, Rita Wilson.”

🖥️ How to Watch That Thing You Do!?

That Thing You Do! is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable availability. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray may also be available through retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed That Thing You Do!, you might like these similar films:

• A Hard Day’s Night (1964): A glimpse into the whirlwind of Beatlemania, capturing the energy and excitement of a band at the height of their fame.
• Almost Famous (2000): Explores the life of a young journalist on tour with a rock band, showcasing the highs and lows of the music industry with a focus on character development.
• The Commitments (1991): Follows the formation and struggles of a working-class Irish soul band, capturing the energy and passion of pursuing a musical dream.
• Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007): A comedic parody of musical biopics, using the familiar tropes of the genre for humorous effect while still exploring the pursuit of musical success.

🛒 That Thing You Do! Related Products

• That Thing You Do! (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the magic with the complete soundtrack, featuring all the hit songs from the movie, including the iconic title track.
• That Thing You Do! (Blu-ray): Get transported into the era with the original movie. Experience Tom Hanks’ directorial debut and relive the exciting story of The Wonders.
• That Thing You Do! Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, perfect for decorating your home theater or music room.
• The Wonders T-Shirt: Show your love for the fictional band with a vintage-style The Wonders band t-shirt.

🎧 Soundtrack

That Thing You Do! features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “That Thing You Do!” – performed by The Wonders
• “Little Wild One” – performed by The Wonders
• “Dance With Me Tonight” – performed by The Wonders
• “I Am Spartacus” – performed by Guy Patterson & Del Paxton

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Wonders- That Thing You Do

Ever wondered what it was like to see The Wonders perform live? Check out this awesome clip of their first performance of “That Thing You Do”! I still get chills every time I watch this.

That Thing You Do (1996) – A record record record.

Remember the scene where The Wonders try to make a ‘record record record’? It’s hilarious! You have to watch Uncle Bob save the day, so funny!

Now we know why Justin Timberlake sings it that way lol

Did you know Justin Timberlake’s singing style might be inspired by “That Thing You Do”? This talk show clip makes a hilarious connection! The host is so witty.

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