Film reviews and movie news

WE HAVE MOVED TO A NEW WEBSITE!

YOU CAN FIND OUR REVIEWS, QUIZES, VIDEOS AND MORE OVER AT HESAIDSHESAIDFM.COM

Monday, May 10, 2010

That Thing You Do (Written and Directed By Tom Hanks)



IMDB LINK

Requested by Andy Mason on our Facebook page.

Starring:
Tom Everett Scott, Liv Tyler, Johnathon Schaech, Steve Zahn, Ethan Embry, Tom Hanks, Charlize Theronm, Giovanni Ribisi

She Said:

I think I had seen this film when I was about 11 and although I didn't remember much of the content I do recall coming away from the VHS happy and content. This is the same way I felt rewatching now. Here is a film that is harmless fun but with a message to deliver; commercial fame comes with a price.

This was Tom Hanks directorial debut on the big screen - having directed a few TV episodes prior to this - and I have to say that he obviously knows what I like. It ticks all my feelgood film boxes relating to costume, soundtrack, actors, etc. If you weren't aware I am a big fan of the birth of the teenager and the U.S. fifties commercial boom... which is a fancy way of saying 'the rock and roll era'. And this film deals with the love child of The Beatles and rock and roll's - pop rock.

The thing I like most about the plot and directing of this film is that the obligatory warning that 'fame isn't all it is cracked up to be' doesn't overshadow the film; it isn't shoved into your face, rather it is gently interwined in the overall plot development.

As James will also tell you Liv Tyler is the stand out performance and it is her character that dictates when the film is light and when is darker. For example, when she is happy the audience is happy. A character that guides the audience must be difficult to judge but she plays it beautifully.

The film is enjoyable throughout and I can gurantee it will make everyone smile from children to golden oldies. I give this film {{{4.5 out of 5}}}

He Said:
Another entrance of a film driven by music, (see Footloose, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist), This film is a simple story of a band making it big a year after the Beatles explosion in the '60's.

The film is written and directed by Tom Hanks and is well paced and a very fun film through out. Marking the feature film debut of Charlize Theron, as well as stellar performances from the entire ensemble cast. The strongest performance in my opinion from Liv Tyler as the lead singers girlfriend that catches the blunt edge of the bands sudden fame.

This is a fun film that will drill the lyrics of the title song into your head (and if you are anything like me find yourself singing it well into the next week.) While this film paints a slightly friendlier picture of early rock and roll stardom than say the more gritty and less rose tinted glasses film Almost Famous it is a fantastic film and worth renting.

Tom Hanks wears a lot of hats in this film as the Writer, Director and even an actor, (playing the representative of one of the labels interested in the Oneders.) He handles each roll (in front and behind the camera) with a grace and smoothness rarely seen in Hollywood today. I really enjoyed this film and would suggest it to anyone looking for a light hearted comedy
I give it [[[4.5 out of 5]]]

They Said:
If you want a film that has a fair share of smiles and grins along the way as well as a catchy song (that might stick around long after the DVD player stops spinning we think you will enjoy this film we give it {{{9 out of 10}}}

No comments:

Post a Comment