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
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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.
