That Thing You Do' - A Sweet-Natured Tale of Rock 'n' Roll Fame and Fortune

Released in 1996, 'That Thing You Do' is a heartwarming film that chronicles the rise to fame and subsequent collapse of a small-town rock band. Directed by Tom Hanks in his feature directorial debut, the movie follows the story of Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott), a young man from Erie, Pennsylvania who helps his father run an appliance store.

When a local drummer breaks his arm, Guy gets approached by songwriter Jimmy (Johnathon Schaech), guitarist Lenny (Steve Zahn), and energetic bass player (Ethan Embry) to replace him. The band, originally known as the One-Ders, performs in local pizza joints before gaining fame with their catchy tune 'That Thing You Do.'

The film is set in 1964, just after JFK's assassination, a time remembered vividly for the Beatles' appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. While not as iconic as 'American Graffiti,' 'That Thing You Do' shares similar themes and tone, following the band's quick rise to fame and eventual demise.

The movie boasts Hanks' signature charm, natural ease, comedic precision, and generosity of spirit. At 39, with two Oscars and five blockbusters under his belt, it makes sense that Hanks would want to try his hand at directing. And he does so with great success, crafting a likable, sweet-natured tale that's sure to delight both younger and older viewers.

'That Thing You Do' premiered as the closing-night attraction at the 21st Toronto Film Festival, and it's easy to see why - it's a nostalgic crowd-pleaser that's likely to win hearts worldwide. With its catchy soundtrack, memorable characters, and feel-good story, this film is a must-watch for anyone who loves rock 'n' roll or just good storytelling in general.

That thing you do 1996