03-25-2020, 02:16 PM
(This post was last modified: 03-26-2020, 02:10 AM by TM2YC. Edited 2 times in total.)
^ That Sam Cooke doc looks good.
That Thing You Do! (1996)
I always meant to watch this one but never did 'til today, wow have I been missing out! Tom Hanks writes and directs, as well as playing a supporting role and even co-writing a few of the tunes. He plays the manager (loosely inspired by Brian Epstein) of a new band called The Wonders heading for "the toppermost of the poppermost" in British-Invasion era USA. Even if I wasn't loving the characters, story, humour and gleeful vibes, I'd still be enjoying just soaking up the precisely observed 1960s atmosphere, the graphic design, the fashion and all the objects and appliances. The increasing stature of the band is subtly reflected in these design choices. The scene where the band first hear themselves on the radio and run screaming through their hometown is pure joy captured on film. Steve Zahn in particular is a scream, while Charlize Theron and Liv Tyler really standout in early roles. The blu-ray had the option of watching either the Theatrical Cut, or Hanks' 2007 Extended Cut (40-minutes longer). I'm glad I went for the latter because from what I've read, the TC ripped out a lot of important material. Plus when a film is this much fun, 2.5-hours zoom by.
That Thing You Do! (1996)
I always meant to watch this one but never did 'til today, wow have I been missing out! Tom Hanks writes and directs, as well as playing a supporting role and even co-writing a few of the tunes. He plays the manager (loosely inspired by Brian Epstein) of a new band called The Wonders heading for "the toppermost of the poppermost" in British-Invasion era USA. Even if I wasn't loving the characters, story, humour and gleeful vibes, I'd still be enjoying just soaking up the precisely observed 1960s atmosphere, the graphic design, the fashion and all the objects and appliances. The increasing stature of the band is subtly reflected in these design choices. The scene where the band first hear themselves on the radio and run screaming through their hometown is pure joy captured on film. Steve Zahn in particular is a scream, while Charlize Theron and Liv Tyler really standout in early roles. The blu-ray had the option of watching either the Theatrical Cut, or Hanks' 2007 Extended Cut (40-minutes longer). I'm glad I went for the latter because from what I've read, the TC ripped out a lot of important material. Plus when a film is this much fun, 2.5-hours zoom by.
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