Episode 57 : That Thing You Do!

By writing, directing and co-starring in THAT THING YOU DO!, Tom Hanks committed himself to create a solid film about a band’s rise and fall in the music industry. Offering up a sincerely charming, what-if story, Hanks combined one heck of a formidable cast with a driving, inspirational story and an unforgettable soundtrack. No matter what decade in which the film is set, it continues to still strike a chord with audiences over 25 years later.

 

▶️Synopsis: Set in the 1960s, The Wonders are a small-town band who unexpectedly hit it big after a new drummer joins the group. Faced with an exciting journey ahead, the band doesn’t look back, but find strong personalities and sustainable success are a difficult combo.
⏩⏩Discussions include: Hanks’ inspiration for the film, approach to storytelling, personal connection, placement in his career and being an actor’s director; the original music behind the movie; character breakdowns with an impressive, chemistry-driven ensemble cast; the formation of The Wonders and realistic depictions of being in a band; importance of the supporting cast; and the extended cut vs. the theatrical release of the film.

**Starring Tom Everett Scott, Liv Tyler, Johnathon Schaech, Steve Zahn, Ethan Embry, Tom Hanks. Directed by Tom Hanks.**

 

▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**

—Lindsay’s Pick, THE MONEY PIT (1986): After a young couple buys a suspiciously affordable, fixer-upper mansion, they discover the problems go deeper than ever imagined.

**Starring Tom Hanks, Shelley Long, Alexander Godunov. Directed by Richard Benjamin.**

—Justin’s Pick, SUBURBIA (1996): Wasting most of their days away, a group of teens have their world affected when a hometown friend becomes a rock star and comes to visit.

**Starring Jayce Bartok, Amie Carey, Giovanni Ribisi, Steve Zahn. Directed by Richard Linklater.**

 

▶️MURRAYMOMENT: How Billy’s 2015 film ROCK THE KASBAH helped motivate positive change through music.

 

▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: The rumored inspiration behind “Del Paxton” of THAT THING YOU DO! and Ethan Embry’s embarrassing on-set sickness.

 

▶️NEXT UP: PRETTY WOMAN (1990)!