
Movie spotlight
That Thing We Do
On the cusp of coming out Kevin visits his family at their summer cottage. While there Kevin meets up again with his much younger cousin and the two recognize something in each other.
Insights
Plot Summary
In 1964, a working-class band from Erie, Pennsylvania, called The Wonders, gets discovered and achieves brief stardom with their hit single "That Thing You Do." The film follows their meteoric rise, the pressures of fame, and the internal conflicts that arise as they navigate the music industry and their newfound success. Amidst the whirlwind, the band's members grapple with changing relationships and differing ambitions.
Critical Reception
That Thing You Do! received generally positive reviews from critics and was a modest box office success. Audiences appreciated its nostalgic tone, catchy soundtrack, and lighthearted portrayal of the early 1960s music scene. While some critics found the plot predictable, most praised Tom Hanks's directorial debut for its charm and well-executed ensemble cast.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its infectious soundtrack and nostalgic depiction of the 1960s music scene.
Appreciated for its lighthearted tone and charming performances from the ensemble cast.
Some critics noted a predictable narrative arc but generally found the film enjoyable.
Google audience: Google users largely enjoyed the film, frequently highlighting its fun, upbeat soundtrack and the charming portrayal of a bygone era. Many found it a feel-good movie that evokes a sense of nostalgia and positivity. Some minor criticisms mentioned the plot being a bit simplistic, but the overall sentiment was very favorable.
Fun Fact
The iconic 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.
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