Tom Hanks made his directorial debut with this immensely likeable pop fable about the meteoric rise and fall of The Wonders, a (fictional) all-American small-town rock ‘n’ roll band who become a national overnight sensation with their debut record.
Set in a period-perfect 1964, and featuring a marvellously evocative soundtrack of cod-Golden Oldies, it deliberately emphasises the Forrest Gump-style feel-good nostalgia, rather than making any hard-hitting statements about the price of fame.
Hanks also plays the group’s Brian Epstein-like manager, but it is sweet-natured Tom Everett Scott who registers strongest as the drumming driving force behind the aspiring Beatles, and Liv Tyler is equally affecting as the band’s mascot.
Guy Patterson
Tom Everett Scott
Faye
Liv Tyler
Jimmy
Johnathon Schaech
Lenny
Steve Zahn
The Bass Player
Ethan Embry
Mr White
Tom Hanks
Tina
Charlize Theron
Lamarr
Obba Babatunde
Chad
Giovanni Ribisi
Uncle Bob
Chris Isaak
Boss Vic Koss
Kevin Pollak
Director
Tom Hanks