That Thing You Do! (DVD 2003)

That Thing You Do! In every life there becomes a time when that dream you dream becomes that thing you do.

That Thing You Do begins with a group of friends practising for their college talent show. Their band - the amusingly named One-ders win the contest with their catchy song - That Thing You Do. But this is only the beginning of their success story. In a blur, the newly renamed Wonders become a hit - playing at their local clubs, and then moving on to a national tour with Playtone records under the guidance of Mr White (Tom Hanks) The beauty of the film is there is no conflict, just the excitement and exhilaration that the band feels as they become celebrities and this is can't be shown better than in the scene where they first hear their song on the radio and they are literally dancing in the street, you can't help but feel happy for them too. Tom Everett Scott plays the charming Guy Patterson - the electrical store assistant who becomes the band's drummer and a national sex symbol with his trademark sunglasses. Lenny (Steve Zahn) is the carefree guitarist who sees the bands success as a huge lark and just throws himself into enjoying every day. Jimmy (James) Mattingly II is the band's creativity - writing the songs - and also its serious side. He sees the commercialisation of the wonders as stifling his creativity and is reluctant to sign anything to do with his music. Liv Tyler is also a delight as Jimmy's girlfriend Faye and the band's biggest supporter. The success of That Thing You do lies in the little things that are so easy to miss yet are the glue that brings the whole film together. Watch out for how well Guy's family react to his success and how the bands first drummer with the broken arm keeps turning up. Also notice how it is Guy that keeps looking out for Faye. It is these little things that will bring you to the film and that find you leaving with a smile and a desire to see it again.

This is a real feel good film, starring some great actors. The music is catchy, so much so that I also bought the CD soundtrack. I decided to buy the dvd so I could watch the extra bits such as behind the scenes and interviews etc. If you are a fan of Tom Hanks you'll love this film even though his part in the film isn't as long as normal. I enjoy watching this film and tapping my feet and singing along to all the tracks. Watch it and you won't be dissapointed.

Overall, I have to say I enjoyed Hanks' feature directing debut(this is not, by the way, the first time he sat in the director's chair; he directed a segment of a Showtime film noir series; I think it was called CITY OF ANGELS). He did a convincing job not only recreating the time, but also the music, which sounded like period music without being a pale shadow of it. He also made a wise choice for his lead; Tom Everett Scott may not have moved on to bigger things yet, but as this film shows, he's destined for them. Steve Zahn is funny as always, Hanks does well playing a company man, and Liv Tyler is quite luminous(though I could have done without the "thousand kisses" speech; that was melodramatic). On the down side, I'm not a big fan of Johnathan Schaech, but his character was too much of a caricature. And sometimes it was just too light. Still, this was overall an enjoyable movie.

I give this movie 5 stars. It was fantastically cast and has a gripping and unique plot. It's amazing soundtrack only adds to the interesting story line. Some may say the theme of the movie is boring and done before.However if funny, witty and Intelligent Rom-Com is the perfect thing for a cosy night in. I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars.You can watch it again and again as it never gets old !!!! This is a must have dvd !!!!! *****

I have loved this child since i was young when i used to watch it with my family and it brings back lovely memories! I absolutely LOVE this film. it has a very catchy soundtrack and is definately a feel good film. It has some fab actors and actresses in it and all sorts of great music! Definately worth it!