That Thing You Do! (1996)
Release Date:
1996
Movie Rating:
PG
Runtime:
1h 48m
Synopsis:
In That Thing You Do!, set in the 1960s, a small-town band called The Wonders rises to fame after their catchy song becomes a hit. The band, originally called The Oneders, is led by frontman Jimmy, with Guy on drums, Lenny on guitar, and the bass player known simply as T.B. Player. Their journey begins when Guy replaces the original drummer and speeds up the tempo of their song, transforming it into a chart-topping sensation. As they navigate the music industry, the band experiences the excitement and challenges of sudden stardom. They encounter a variety of characters, including their manager Mr. White, who helps guide their career. The film follows their whirlwind rise, capturing the dynamics within the band and the impact of fame on their lives.
That Thing You Do! is a musical comedy-drama film released in 1996, rated PG, making it suitable for kids. The movie captures the rise and fall of a one-hit-wonder band in the 1960s, offering a nostalgic and upbeat experience. Parents generally appreciate its lighthearted tone and the positive messages about teamwork and perseverance, though some note that younger viewers might not fully grasp the historical context.
Why Kids Should Watch That Thing You Do!
The movie is praised for its engaging storyline and positive messages.
- Promotes teamwork and the importance of following one's passion.
- Features a strong character arc with the band's journey to success.
- Offers a vibrant depiction of 1960s music culture that kids find entertaining.
- Includes catchy music that appeals to a wide audience.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch That Thing You Do!
Some parents express concerns about the film's historical setting and themes.
- The historical context may be challenging for younger viewers to understand.
- Some scenes depict the pressures of fame, which might be confusing.
- The film's pacing might be slow for children used to fast-paced action.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers positive messages about teamwork, engaging music, and a fun depiction of the 1960s.
What Parents Should Know About That Thing You Do!
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The band members demonstrate teamwork and perseverance in pursuing their dreams. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The pressures of fame and the band's eventual breakup may require parent guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The film shows the consequences of fame and the importance of staying grounded. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The band members work together to overcome challenges, highlighting the value of teamwork. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the importance of following one's passion and working together. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally find That Thing You Do! to be an enjoyable and positive film for kids, with its catchy music and uplifting themes. While the historical setting might require some explanation, the movie's strengths in promoting teamwork and perseverance are clear. Parental involvement can enhance the viewing experience by providing context and discussing the film's messages. For those interested in similar themes, movies like "School of Rock" or "Sing" might also be appealing.
Official That Thing You Do! Trailer
That Thing You Do! is a musical comedy-drama film released in 1996, rated PG, making it suitable for kids. The movie captures the rise and fall of a one-hit-wonder band in the 1960s, offering a nostalgic and upbeat experience. Parents generally appreciate its lighthearted tone and the positive messages about teamwork and perseverance, though some note that younger viewers might not fully grasp the historical context.
Why Kids Should Watch That Thing You Do!
The movie is praised for its engaging storyline and positive messages.
- Promotes teamwork and the importance of following one's passion.
- Features a strong character arc with the band's journey to success.
- Offers a vibrant depiction of 1960s music culture that kids find entertaining.
- Includes catchy music that appeals to a wide audience.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch That Thing You Do!
Some parents express concerns about the film's historical setting and themes.
- The historical context may be challenging for younger viewers to understand.
- Some scenes depict the pressures of fame, which might be confusing.
- The film's pacing might be slow for children used to fast-paced action.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers positive messages about teamwork, engaging music, and a fun depiction of the 1960s.
What Parents Should Know About That Thing You Do!
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The band members demonstrate teamwork and perseverance in pursuing their dreams. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The pressures of fame and the band's eventual breakup may require parent guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The film shows the consequences of fame and the importance of staying grounded. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The band members work together to overcome challenges, highlighting the value of teamwork. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the importance of following one's passion and working together. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally find That Thing You Do! to be an enjoyable and positive film for kids, with its catchy music and uplifting themes. While the historical setting might require some explanation, the movie's strengths in promoting teamwork and perseverance are clear. Parental involvement can enhance the viewing experience by providing context and discussing the film's messages. For those interested in similar themes, movies like "School of Rock" or "Sing" might also be appealing.
Official That Thing You Do! Trailer
The Core Values Learned From That Thing You Do!
That Thing You Do!'s most common core values include Determination, Teamwork, and Resilience. Kids can see how determination is key when the band wants their song to be a hit. They don't give up, even when things get tough. Teamwork is important, too, because each band member has a role that makes their Music great. The band also shows resilience when they have to face the ups and downs of fame and keep moving forward no matter what challenges come their way.
Determination shines when Guy decides to speed up the tempo of their song. This big change helps the band succeed, highlighting the value of never giving up. Teamwork is clear when the band members work together during concerts and interviews. They must communicate well and support each other to keep the music going. Resilience is shown when the band encounters challenges in the music industry, learning to bounce back from setbacks and continue pursuing their dreams.
Other Core Values Explored: Creativity | Friendship | Perseverance | Self-discovery | Making good choices | Leadership | Valuing hard work.
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From That Thing You Do!
Following Your Passion: The Wonders demonstrate that pursuing what you love with enthusiasm and dedication can lead to unexpected opportunities and success. Each member of the band brings their passion for music to the table, elevating their talent and commitment.
Earning Success through Hard Work: The band's rise to fame is a testament to the value of hard work and persistence. Through practice, performances, and challenging work schedules, they show that success doesn’t come overnight but as a result of consistent effort.
Believing in Yourself: Guy's instinct to speed up the tempo of their song shows the importance of self-belief and trusting your instincts. His confidence in his musical intuition helps launch The Wonders into stardom, highlighting the power of faith in oneself.
Enjoying the Journey: Amidst the chaos of fame, the band members learn to appreciate each moment. From the thrill of live performances to the camaraderie shared on the road, they understand that the journey is just as exciting as the destination.
Letting Talents Shine: Each member of The Wonders has distinct strengths that contribute to the band's success. By letting their individual talents shine, they create a unique sound that captivates audiences and propels them forward.
Other Lessons Learned: Supporting Your Friends | Learning from Mistakes | Practicing Loyalty | Valuing Deep Connection
Why Kids Love That Thing You Do!
That Thing You Do! bursts with catchy tunes and toe-tapping musical moments that make kids feel as if they're part of a real concert. The Wonders, a small-town band, hit the big time after changing the speed of their song, creating a rhythm everyone wants to dance to. The lively performances and friendly musical showdowns add an upbeat energy that leaves kids excited and eager to see what happens next. With each band member bringing their own unique style, the music and dance scenes become an explosion of creativity that captivates young audiences. The thrill comes from watching the underdog band fight to stand out and prove themselves in the dazzling world of rock and roll.
Apart from the electrifying music, kids also love how the band navigates amusing and unexpected challenges as they shoot toward stardom. From humorous interviews to the crazy antics on the road, there's always something lively happening. Kids get a kick out of the band members' antics and their ability to handle the fun chaos with teamwork. There’s never a dull moment as the band meets quirky new characters, makes surprising friendships, and learns how to work together to keep their dreams alive. With its blend of catchy music and wild escapades, the movie keeps kids hooked, sharing in both the laughs and the lively action from start to finish.