That Thing You Do! [1997] [DVD]

I've watched this film so many times over the years, it doesn't get old. Tom Hanks acting, writing, directing and song writing too - it couldn't get better.That Thing You Do is a brilliant look at the way fame can change you, or not - depending on what you do with it. The cast is engaging and believable, they all learned to play their instruments especially for the film, and it shows (not like the ham fisted playing of Tia Carrere in Wayne's World (ouch!). The supporting cast is wonderful, the sets, costume and styling is all perfection - every detail is captured magnificently.I never noticed until I watched the DVD extras, that The Wonders bass player is never named in the film - just like Joan Fontaine's character in 'Rebecca'.The sound track is genius! I have it saved on Spotify and listen to it a lot. It has a genuine feel to it, and I can imagine that if these songs were released in the mid-1960's they would definitely have topped the charts. The jazz is very cool too.Best line of the film... A drunken Guy Patterson talking excitedly to his Jazz hero Del Paxton - "...but I listened to all your records (long meaningful pause) YOU... are my biggest fan!"<3

It was a fun film. Well acted and enjoyable.

Great and fun film that takes you back to the 60s and shows how some ordinary kids that form a band end up having a nr. one hit on the billboard charts. The story is how they got up there and what life and all the excitement is like for these young band members. Very entertaining, funny and moving. Would recommend for music fans.Everything was fine with the DVD and the delivery.

Tom Hanks takes the directing duties for this superb drama comedy about a 60's band one hit wonder adventure. The attention to detail is remarkable and the performances are brilliant as is the superb soundtrack, which I highly recommend on CD. This disc comes with both the theatrical cut and the director's cut. The picture and sound are both superb.Here's the best bit - although the box says Region A the disc is in fact multi region so it plays fine on standard UK players, which is a blessing as this film is not available on blu ray in the UK as yet.

For what is obviously intended as a lightweight film, this is surprisingly more thought-provoking by the end than the general feel throughout. Well done Mr Hanks. The one-hit wonder (theme?) tune is a good piece in its own right.Some nice acting from several of the cast treats the audience as if they are capable of thinking for themselves, instead of being bluntly told what the director thinks is meant to be going on. Which is a rare compliment from some directors, so well done again Mr Hanks.

What is there not to love about Tom Hanks and the fact that he wrote this film is even better. A funny light hearted look at what happens if you achieve your dreams. Is it everything that you hope it will be ? Maybe modern day bands should watch this film, it shows that even with success, different personalities and different aspirations can break a band apart. Enjoy the story but do watch the special features, I found it very interesting to learn that the actors actually learnt how to play the instruments, it lends a certain authenticity to the film.

A truly outstanding musical movie. If you love the sixties you'll love this and the soundtrack captures the spirit of that generation spot-on. I never get tired of listening to the title track and though it was recorded in the nineties, it is one of my favourite all-time sixties tracks. Good quality, good value for money, and great music. Magic.

I thought I could watch Hanks in anything... nah.