 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
That Thing You Do!
- PG
- Genre: Comedy
- 1996
Common Sense Media says
Sweet, sleepy take on flash-in-the-pan '60s band.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that aside from a few curse words and some drinking, this film offers little that would offend parents. The band's manager gives them beers in the afternoon, and Guy gets drunk at a jazz bar, but pays for it the next day with a hangover. Jimmy humiliates his girlfriend in front of everyone.
What's the story?
In 1964, Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott) works at his father's appliance store until a freak accident sidelines a local quartet's drummer. Then, Guy's secret passion for jazz and percussion blooms and he turns the dull ballad "That Thing You Do!" into a pop hit. He and the other guys in the One-ders (mispronounced by everyone as the "Oh-nee-ders") get a manager, change the spelling of the band's name, cut a single, and suddenly find themselves touring state fairs, playing on a television show, and acting in a movie. They have it all, but can they keep it together to cut another album, or will they go from being the Wonders to just another one-hit wonder?
Is it any good?
THAT THING YOU DO! is as sweet and chaste as the eponymous song. In fact, it's so agreeable, it's positively boring for anyone who's ever seen any episodes of VH1's Behind the Music. That's not to say that younger viewers and those just discovering the music of the 1960s won't enjoy the film.
What's remarkable about That Thing You Do! is that this unremarkable remake of the Beatles story is what writer and director Tom Hanks chose to do with the political capital he amassed in blockbusters like Apollo 13 and Forrest Gump. It's an oddly wholesome and lackluster choice. What we see here is a grown-up living his fantasy of being part of the Fab Four. Still, because of its sweet and chaste bent, the PG-rated film is perfect for tweens and younger teens who haven't yet been drawn into more risqué viewing choices.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how family members resolve conflicts within their prospective groups. Do you believe that "you can't keep a band (or a group of friends) together," as one of the characters says? How would you handle having a crush on one of your friend's girlfriends? You can also talk about your favorite one-hit wonders.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Great Family Night Movie
Loved this movie when I first saw it on the big screen. Now that my children are older, they love it, too. Wholesome, with the exception of a few choice words, and shows an interesting range of personalities when dealing with sudden fame. I also like the positive messages the heroine, who takes a stand for herself when her heart is broken, and the hero, who follows his dream but is careful not to hurt anyone on his way, convey. All in all, a great movie with catchy songs you'll be singing long after.
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Kid, 12 years old
May 22, 2010
AGE
Fine for any kids who don't pick up a few iffy words
Luv this movie its sooooooooooo terrific and i love it!
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AGE
GREAT FUN CLEAN MOVIE
this is a very good and clean movie
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Kid, 11 years old
January 28, 2012
AGE
Very nice
A sweet, funny movie that is pretty age-appropriate, aside from a few curse words and some drinking & smoking.
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| Topics: | friendship, music and sing-along |
| Studio: | Twentieth Century Fox |
| Director: | Tom Hanks |
| Cast: | Liv Tyler, Steve Zahn, Tom Hanks |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 105 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 19, 1996 |
| DVD release date: | June 5, 2001 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | some language |
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