Tom Hanks' 1996 film That Thing You Do! remains a beloved feelgood movie because it balances vicarious wish-fulfillment with sobering reality, offering warmth and clear-eyed wisdom about fame and happiness.
A 90s Ode to 60s Pop
In 1996, Tom Hanks was at the peak of his Hollywood career with back-to-back best actor Oscar wins and two of 1995's highest-grossing films, Toy Story and Apollo 13. He chose to write, direct and co-star in this modest, gentle tribute to 1960s pop music.
The fictional band at the center is the Wonders, initially named the Oneders after the Beatles, but forced to change when they are repeatedly introduced as the "oh-need-ers." The band rises to fame when Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott) sits in as drummer and spontaneously speeds up their song, That Thing You Do!, catching the attention of a record producer named Mr White (Hanks).
The Song and Its Impact
The title track, written by the late Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne, drives the plot and plays constantly throughout the film. The movie zips through its 108-minute running time as the record climbs the charts, but creative tensions and professional callings threaten to end the band's run as quickly as it started.
The film offers a sense of kindness throughout, with no real villains. Characters like the brooding Jimmy, the superficial Tina (Charlize Theron), and the hard-nosed dad (Holmes Osborne) all receive grace. The charming camaraderie of the band and Hanks' performance, which delivers both laughter and poignancy, fuel the feelgood vibes.
A Timeless Message
The ending, which once stung, now feels like Hanks quietly advising: "Between fame and happiness, choose happiness." The film, available on Pluto in the US, to rent digitally in the UK, and on Disney+ in Australia, continues to bring joy to audiences, embodying the hope that it will remain a cinematic gift for many more generations.
