PLOT SUMMARY: A local Pennsylvania band scores a one-hit wonder in 1964 and rides the star-making machinery as long as they can, with lots of help from their manager.
WHERE TO WATCH: Hulu
JAIMEE’S NOTES: Another of my very favorite movies! I know I have a lot of favorite movies but this one might be in my top five. First of all, one of the best fictional bands ever. They may have only had one hit, but damn is it good. You are going to hear it so many times throughout this movie. I should have counted but I would guess upwards of seven? I’ve also realized recently that Tom Hanks is probably my favorite actor based on the movies I enjoy most so he is of course in this movie and he also wrote and directed this movie. So this one is full of Tom Hanks. Also some special guest appearances by Rita Wilson and Colin Hanks….if you’re paying attention. No Chet, darn. The rest of the cast is amazing: Liv Tyler, Charlize Theron, Tom Everett Scott, Steve Zahn, Ethan Embry, and Giovanni Ribisi to name a few…or most. Guy Patterson is a drummer who works at his family’s appliance store in Erie, Pennsylvania in the 60s. There is also a small time band in the town and their drummer, Chad, happens to break his arm so they ask Guy to take his spot. They play at a talent show and Guy takes their song up a notch and they win! Everyone loves it. They start getting some more gigs and a manager and it takes off! This movie is basically a snapshot of a boy band in the 60s who have a one hit wonder, the rise and fall. The loves and losses. Someone falls in love with their dentist. Someone joins the Marines. I just think this is a classic. I love Guy Patterson, he is the best. Steve Zahn, who plays Lenny has so many funny moments. It’s hard for me to critique movies that I think are perfect lol, so I will give you a fun fact to end! Tom Hanks claims that he wrote this script when he was on the promotional tour for Forrest Gump due to his boredom doing non-stop interviews. Tom Hanks, the ultimate multi-tasker.
Jai-Dayz 