That Thing We Do
That Thing We Do

Movie spotlight

That Thing We Do

2003
Movie
16 min
English

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

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes70%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users83%
Director: Tom HanksGenres: Comedy, Music, Romance, Drama

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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