In September it was announced that the soundtrack for That Thing You Do!, a delightful romp through the 60’s music scene, was finally being released in vinyl. Nearly 30 years after the movie hit screens, many fans consider this release long overdue. After all, the main theme song has been covered by groups such as Pentatonix and ‘NSync which would make one think that nearly everyone knows about this film and the fabulous music.
While talking to some folks, I was surprised to learn that many hadn’t even heard of, let alone seen this wonderful writing and directorial debut from Tom Hanks. With that in mind, I have decided to spend Thursdays in 2024, covering the hidden gems, forgotten films, and cult classics that some folks may have missed when they initially came out. I could think of no better movie to launch the series than this one.
The story follows a haphazard last minute garage band from Erie, Pennsylvania as their one single, That Thing You Do, takes over the music scene of the 60’s. What exactly is a haphazard garage band? Well, it’s one where a founding member has an accident just before an important gig and a last minute substitution must be made. In this case, it is the drummer, Guy Patterson, that steps in to save the band. After only a few run throughs during a last minute practice, Guy ends up turning the drawn out ballad into a rocking little pop tune that sends the One-ders (that’s Oh-Nee-Ders) on a trippy ride up the charts.
My personal connection to this film started before it even premiered in theaters when I was a radio announcer in Erie, Pennsylvania. I was invited to an early screening and this began not only my love affair with the film, but with covering movies in a professional world. I suppose one could say this little film began my career reviewing and reporting on movies in a professional capacity. It definitely ‘holds up’ in entertainment value as my family and I have introduced it to people over the years and every one of them has ended up falling in love with the film the same way I did in that theater in Erie Pennsylvania nearly 30 years ago. As the years have passed, this movie has only grown more iconic.
If you have not yet watched this film, now is the time to grab yourself a copy and check it out. Completely family friendly, delightful, engaging, and fun, watch for all of the fabulous cameos throughout the film (including one by Hanks’ wife, Rita). This film is perfect for parties, singalongs, and any sort of family viewing. Also, as a fun little fact, many of the things included in the Erie portion of the film are true to life. There are really two universities called Gannon and Mercyhurst. WICU is, in fact, a local television station and the local radio station that features the Wonders? It’s still on the air.
Be aware though, once you watch it, the song is an earworm that will stick with you but also, so will the script. This movie has become one of the most quoted in my family’s movie lexicon. I mean there are quotes for every situation!
Need to get kids in the car? “A man in a really nice camper wants to put our song on the radio. I’m signing. You’re signing. We’re all signing!”
Someone grumpy after being grounded? “There he goes – off to write the hit song alone in my principles!”
Out at an event and looking good? “You guys look great in red. Have I told you that?”
The list goes on and on. Our only disappointment is that we were never able to watch the beach film, “Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters!”
Have you seen the film? If so, what are your favorite quotes and scenes? Let me know!
With Tom Everett Scott in his film debut, the cast is rounded out by Jonathan Schaech, Steve Zahn, Ethan Embry, and the delightful Liv Tyler. That Thing You Do released in 1996 and is available across all digital and streaming platforms as well as on DVD and Blu-ray.
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