That irresistible snap of the snare drum, followed by that instantly recognizable guitar riff – you know the one. It burrows into your brain and stays there, a perfect little slice of sixties pop sunshine. For anyone who popped a certain well-loved VHS tape into their VCR back in the mid-90s, the opening bars of the title track from That Thing You Do! (1996) are likely etched into their auditory memory. It wasn't just a song; it was an invitation to a time capsule, a joyous, funny, and surprisingly poignant look at the fleeting nature of fame, all wrapped up in the irresistible energy of early rock 'n' roll.
### One-Hit Wonders, All the Charm
This film marked the writing and directing debut of none other than Tom Hanks, who was already firmly established as one of America's most beloved actors. Fresh off back-to-back Oscars for Philadelphia (1993) and Forrest Gump (1994), Hanks clearly poured his affection for the era and its music into this project. The story follows the meteoric, blink-and-you'll-miss-it rise of The Wonders (originally, hilariously, The Oneders – "Looks like O'Needers?"), a fictional Erie, Pennsylvania band catapulted to national fame by their impossibly catchy single. It's the summer of 1964, Beatlemania is in full swing, and Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott, whose uncanny resemblance to a young Hanks surely didn't go unnoticed), a jazz-loving appliance store clerk with a killer instinct for a driving beat, steps in to play drums for a local talent show. His faster tempo transforms lead singer Jimmy Mattingly's (Johnathon Schaech) heartfelt ballad into pure pop gold, and just like that, they're on their way.
What makes That Thing You Do! so enduringly charming isn't just the fantastic music (more on that later), but its pitch-perfect recreation of the time and its genuine heart. Hanks, drawing from his own experiences and clearly a deep love for the period, captures the whirlwind excitement of sudden fame with remarkable authenticity. From the matching suits and pointy boots to the chaotic energy of local TV appearances and whirlwind tours, the film feels less like a 90s movie about the 60s and more like a newly discovered gem from the 60s. The attention to detail in the production design, the vintage instruments, even the slightly cheesy promotional materials – it all rings wonderfully true.
### The Band and The Brains Behind It
The casting is spot-on. Tom Everett Scott is immensely likable as Guy, the grounded center of the storm, whose passion for drumming accidentally ignites the whole phenomenon. Johnathon Schaech nails the part of Jimmy, the talented but increasingly arrogant songwriter who bristles at being known for just one, upbeat tune. Steve Zahn brings his signature comedic energy as the goofy guitarist Lenny Haise, and Ethan Embry plays the unnamed bass player (a running gag handled with surprising depth by the end) with quiet vulnerability. And then there's Liv Tyler as Faye Dolan, Jimmy's girlfriend and the band's unofficial heart, bringing warmth and a touch of melancholy reality to the fantasy ride. Her chemistry with Guy forms the emotional anchor of the film.
Of course, Tom Hanks himself appears in a key supporting role as Mr. White, the pragmatic, seen-it-all A&R man from Play-Tone Records who guides (and sometimes gently manipulates) the band's journey. It's a wonderfully understated performance, providing a grounding counterpoint to the band's youthful exuberance and naivete. He’s the voice of the industry, reminding us that pop success is often a carefully managed, short-lived business.
### Retro Fun Facts: The Music and the Magic
Let's talk about that song. "That Thing You Do!" feels so authentically like a lost 1964 hit that it's almost shocking to remember it was written specifically for the film. Hanks actually held something of a contest, soliciting submissions for the crucial track. The winner was Adam Schlesinger, the incredibly talented bassist and songwriter for the band Fountains of Wayne (and later a prolific composer for film and TV, tragically lost in 2020). Schlesinger perfectly captured the requested sound – upbeat, slightly naive, impossibly catchy – creating not just a plot device, but a genuinely fantastic pop song that hit the actual Billboard charts (peaking at #41 in 1996). It was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song!
The film originally clocked in significantly longer. Hanks' initial director's cut ran closer to three hours, including more development for the band members and their relationships. While the theatrical cut is tight and focused, knowing there's more footage out there (some eventually released on DVD/Blu-ray extended editions) just adds to the film's lore for dedicated fans. Another fun tidbit: the fictional Play-Tone Records logo and concept were later adopted by Hanks for his actual production company.
Despite its charm and that Oscar nod, That Thing You Do! wasn't a massive box office smash. Made for around $26 million, it grossed about $34.6 million worldwide. But like so many films we cherish here at VHS Heaven, its legacy isn't measured in opening weekend numbers, but in enduring affection. Its Rotten Tomatoes score sits at a glowing 94% Fresh, reflecting the critical appreciation that has only grown over time. It found its true audience on home video, becoming a staple rental and a beloved comfort watch.
### Why It Still Plays Great Today
Rewatching That Thing You Do! is like slipping into a favorite old sweater. It's warm, familiar, and guaranteed to make you feel good. Hanks directs with a light touch, balancing the humor and the heart perfectly. The film acknowledges the pressures and pitfalls of fame without ever becoming cynical. It celebrates the joy of creation, the camaraderie of a band (even a dysfunctional one), and the bittersweet magic of a perfect pop moment. It’s a film that understands why music connects with us so deeply, capturing that lightning-in-a-bottle feeling when everything just clicks. The soundtrack, filled with other excellent period-pastiche songs, is a delight from start to finish.
It’s a reminder of a time when a catchy tune on the radio could genuinely change everything overnight, even if only for a summer. There's a sweetness and innocence here that feels both nostalgic and refreshing. We all knew bands like this, or dreamed of being in one, fueled by teenage aspirations and the power of a three-chord progression.
Rating: 9/10
This rating reflects the film's sheer infectious charm, pitch-perfect performances, authentic period detail, brilliant original music, and Tom Hanks' assured directorial debut. It perfectly captures the giddy highs and gentle lows of chasing a pop dream. While the plot follows a somewhat familiar trajectory, it does so with such warmth, humor, and genuine affection that it transcends formula. It’s simply a joy to watch, again and again.
That Thing You Do! remains a blast of pure pop pleasure, a cinematic sugar rush that, much like its title track, leaves you smiling and humming long after the credits roll. A true gem from the 90s video store shelf.