Review of That Thing You Do! (1996) by Henrik S — 02 Aug 2011

Despite it several weaknesses, the film is still enjoyable because writer/director Tom Hank's love and interest for the era pervades through the film like music from the radio. In fact, the story follows the basic principle of all band biopics, be it fictional or not, the rise and downfall are portrayed in stoic conservatism and there are no surprise twists or anything to be found for miles. Yet, the innocent lust for life that is such a (alleged) part of the 50s pop culture makes this film enjoyable and interesting. The costumes, sets, music, hairstyles etc. make this a journey back in time, if only into a bubble-gum kitsch version that - even back in the 1950s - would have been a caricature of itself. The actors are solid and good thing that most of the characters are too young to sport any considerable depth anyway and Tom Hanks plays with more suave than his usual dorkyness but he is far from hitting that enigmatic character he tries to portray (Phil Spector anyone).

Liv Tyler provides the necesary eye-candy.

This film is definitely not a turkey but still nothing more than your average Hollywood rom-com fare and Ton Hanks amazing talent as an actor does not translate into direction and while he does not slip up, he never hits a ball out of the park either.

Great if you're into the 50s in particular, good for everyone else.