That Thing You Do!

1996, Comedy/Drama, 1h 50m

60 Reviews 100,000+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

A light, sweet, and thoroughly entertaining debut for director Tom Hanks, That Thing You Do! makes up in charm what it lacks in complexity. Read critic reviews

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That Thing You Do! Photos

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Movie Info

Wily band manager Mr. White helps a small town band achieve big time success when they release a Beatles-style pop song in 1964. Pennsylvania band the "Oneders" become a sensation after their drummer breaks his arm, and is replaced by jazz enthusiast, Guy Patterson, who injects something a bit different into their music.
  • Rating:
    PG
  • Genre:
    Comedy, Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Tom Hanks
  • Producer:
    Gary Goetzman, Jonathan Demme, Edward Saxon
  • Writer:
    Tom Hanks
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     original
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $25.9M
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    20th Century Fox
  • Sound Mix:
    Surround

Cast & Crew

Tom Everett Scott
Guy "Skitch" "Shades" Patterson
Liv Tyler
Faye Dolan
Johnathon Schaech
Jimmy Mattingly
Steve Zahn
Lenny Haise
Ethan Embry
T. B. Player
Tom Hanks
Mr. White
Charlize Theron
Tina
Obba Babatunde
Lamarr
Giovanni Ribisi
Chad
Chris Ellis
Phil Horace
Alex Rocco
Sol Siler
Bill Cobbs
Del Paxton
Peter Scolari
Troy Chesterfield
Rita Wilson
Marguerite
Chris Isaak
Uncle Bob
Kevin Pollak
Victor "Boss Vic Koss" Kosslovich
Tom Hanks
Director
Gary Goetzman
Producer
Jonathan Demme
Producer
Edward Saxon
Producer
Tom Hanks
Writer
Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for That Thing You Do!

All Critics (60) | Top Critics (21) | Fresh (56) | Rotten (4)
Full Review… Duane Byrge Hollywood Reporter Full Review… Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly Full Review… Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader Full Review… Desson Thomson Washington Post Full Review… Emanuel Levy Variety Full Review… Geoff Andrew Time Out Full Review… David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Full Review… Federico Furzan Cinelipsis Full Review… Danielle Solzman Solzy at the Movies Full Review… J. Olson Cinemixtape Full Review… James Plath Family Home Theater Full Review… Felix Vasquez Jr. Cinema Crazed
View All Critic Reviews (60)

Audience Reviews for That Thing You Do!

  • Nov 12, 2014
    Finger-snapping, head-bopping fun! Tom Everett Scott is effortlessly cool with his ugly-sexy mug, and Liv Tyler is luminous and effervescent. Steve Zahn looks suave and uncharacteristically the most grown up of the bunch. The O-nedders. Hyuk.
    Alice S Super Reviewer
  • Apr 15, 2012
    Really great movie with a lot of great storytelling and character. So many up and coming talent and Hanks really shows a skill for directing and screenwriting. I didn't expect to like this film so much and I can't express how much I liked this film, something with heart doesn't come along that often.
    Brendan N Super Reviewer
  • Dec 06, 2011
    Rarely is it the case when a movie's soundtrack is more popular than the movie itself, but this is one of them. Even with that said though, even if the music were nothing special you'd still have a pretty darn entertaining film- simple, earnest and full of wit and likable characters
    Tedd P Super Reviewer
  • Sep 20, 2010
    I can't explain why I enjoy this movie so much. Yet it seems every time it is on TV, and it is on quite often, I always enjoy watching as much of it as I can, no matter which scene I happen to catch. There are only a few movies that do this to me. It must just be a reflection of me. Let's pretend it is due to an unhealthy appreciation of Steve Zahn, and leave it at that. But even so, this a fun fun toe tapping good romp of a time! ! Doesn't hurt that it is chock full of fantastic actors, too. :)
    Cynthia S Super Reviewer
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