Flick of The Day: That Thing You Do!

Actors who turn their hand to directing can be a bit at of a mixed bag. Some actors seem to be born to it and produce masterpieces their first time out such as Charles Laughton's magnificently eerie The Night Of The Hunter. Others like Robert De Niro have been less successful, anyone who saw The Good Shepherd can attest to that. I am happy then to report that Tom Hank's turn behind the camera is a successful one. Today's film is That Thing You Do!

That Thing You Do! - Tom Hank's Extended Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Set during the Summer of 1964, Hank's effort tells the tale of a band from a small town in Pennsylvania, The Wonders and their brief brush with fame. After their original drummer breaks his arm, the band ask local bohemian jazz man Guy Patterson, to step in and play the drums at a local talent contest. Guy inadvertently adds an up-tempo beat to their otherwise turgid ballad, creating a hit song and they are soon picked up by talent impresario Mr White, an eminently likeable Tom Hanks. They begin to tour the country, playing state fairs as their fame grows and the song gradually moves up the national charts. The apex of their fame comes with an appearance on national television, a scene which apes The Beatles famous performance on The Ed Sullivan Show. It all begins to fall apart for them thereafter, and the break-up is as interesting as the coming together.

The band members are all very likeable and well cast. Johnathon Schaech is Jimmy, the egotistical musical "genius". The always lovely Liv Tyler is his devoted girlfriend Faye. Steve Zahn, so often irritating is the lead guitarist who spends his time chasing every women in sight. Hanks captures the character of the svengali manager so well, managing the band with the seem discipline that Brian Epstein might have applied to The Beatles. The film is bright and upbeat and seems to capture the spirit of the early 1960's with pastel colours everywhere. A time when the Vietnam War had yet to take hold on the nation's consciousness and the music was bright shiny and adored by legions of young screaming girls. There is something endearing about this period and even if the story didn't live up to its setting, this would still be compelling viewing. It is a delight then to report that this is a good yarn. Hank's has managed to craft characters that are both likeable and interesting. It helps that the music feels right on the money. Their one hit wonder, That Thing You Do! is a peppy catchy number that will stick with you after the end of the film.

The film ends well, tying up any loose ends and leaving you satisfied that you have had a brief glimpse into a time and place that is now very much in the past. All in all, a fine debut from Hanks and I look forward to his next film as a director, Larry Crowne, set to be released this Summer. The film captures the era well and a compelling tale that will keep you engaged till the credits roll. Throw in some catchy tunes and you have an enjoyable light-hearted film.