We start my list of the Best Movies Ever (from my personal DVD collection) with an unlikely candidate. That Thing You Do (1996) makes the cut at #15 because, well, it just makes me feel good!
Written and directed by Tom Hanks, That Thing You Do manages to take a trite, cliched storyline, add a perfect supporting cast and a hook that won\’t let go, and turn it into pure movie magic.
The film tells the story of a group of young Pennsylvania rock and rollers in the mid-sixties spinning their talent into one-hit wonder gold, reaching the top of the charts and becoming overnight sensations. Definitely a spin on the American reaction to the British Invasion, a la the Beatles, this fable could be the story of any number of American bands who attempted to reach the top of the charts. With the creative insight of their new percussionist, Guy Patterson, the Oneders (hilariously mispronounced as the Oh-knee-ders) are catapulted into a whirlwind of stardom faster than any of them are able to process what has happened to them.
Each of the band members deal with their stardom differently. Guy is in it for the love of music. The works of fictional jazz drummer Del Paxton (think Buddy Miles) speak to his soul. Jimmy Mattingly is the lead singer/guitarist and a serious songwriter, concerned only about recording his songs. He is more interested in communicating the passion within him then with the \”bubble gum\” pop demanded by the audience who come to hear \”That Thing You Do\”. Unfortunately, his love for his music turns out to be his only true love and he ends up hurting the girl (played by Liv Tyler) who has poured her life into him. Lenny Haise is the rhythm guitarist and the clown of the troup. Played perfectly by Steve Zahn, Lenny\’s approach to success is that he is along for the ride and his enthusiasm can\’t help but make you grin. Last is the bass player who is known only as \”The Bass Player\” (Ethan Embry). He is the youngest of the troup and the quiet one. His true passion is to serve his country by joining the military, which he ends up doing before the story ends.
Of course, Tom Hanks manages to write himself in as the manager of the group. But this is a great casting move as Hanks plays the role perfectly without placing himself centerstage. The film is actually carried by the supporting cast, including earlier appearances by Charlize Theron, Giovanni Ribisi and Rita Wilson (Hank\’s wife).
So what is it about this film that would cause me to give it such high marks?
While the concepts of rags to riches are not new, Hanks and the cast breathe a freshness into them with three-dimensional characters, a witty and realistic script, excellent pacing and catchy tunes. It is about life and how circumstances can catch us off guard, propelling us into places we never thought we would go. Its about finding out who you are and staying true to yourself. And most of all, it is about pursuing your dream.
Who can\’t identify with the passion for having a dream, following that dream, and seeing that dream come to pass?
Best Scene: When Jimmy\’s girlfriend (Faye) unexpectedly hears \”That Thing You Do\” played on the radio the first time and runs through the streets screaming while heading towards the family appliance store where Guy works. The entire band is gathered on the way and proceeds to crank every radio in the place while dancing about in celebration. It is a warm moment of human jubilation perfectly captured on film. You can\’t help but smile along and feel as though you are part of the band.
I found The Wonders\’ Home Page, dedicated to That Thing You Do.
While this movie lacks the depth and scope of the remainder of my list, it makes up for it in warmth, charm and good old-fashioned fun. Besides, its got a good beat and you can dance to it.