It’s been written before, and I’ll write it again here. When you watch Tom Hanks’ 1996 directorial debut That Thing You Do!, you hear the same song over and over again, and somehow you never get sick of it. It’s been over 20 years, and I’m still not sick of it! “That Thing You Do!” is not only one of the all-time great movie songs, it’s one of the all-time great pop songs, period. Full stop. Written by Fountains of Wayne’s Adam Schlesinger and sung by Mike Viola (solo artist, Ryan Adams sideman), this pop ditty not only lifts the movie, it lifts your spirits every time you hear it.
In a movie filled with joyous moments, there’s none more emotionally stirring for me than the first time the Oneders play their new song live at the Mercyhurst College Talent Show. When drummer Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott) unleashes an impromptu change of tempo, we’re right up there with the band, experiencing the nervous energy of improvisation. Then our perspective shifts to that of the audience, and we’re falling in love with the song instantly, dancing without thinking. Then we’re back onstage with the triumphant Lenny (Steve Zahn), feeding off the enthusiasm of the crowd. It’s the emotional power of music, expertly captured by Hanks and company.
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