Dickens & Rumi
Cover of That Thing You Do!

film

That Thing You Do!

1996

A Pennsylvania band scores a hit in 1964 and rides the star-making machinery as long as it can, with lots of help from its manager. But behind the scenes, the group’s sudden fame tests their strength, their maturity and responsibility, and their ability to resist the temptations that money and notoriety always make possible.

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? PG-level content includes mild relationship conflict, a breakup, drinking-related behavior and a hangover, career pressure, and emotional themes. The story is generally upbeat but may be more engaging for older children and teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick context

What parents should know

PG-level content includes mild relationship conflict, a breakup, drinking-related behavior and a hangover, career pressure, and emotional themes. The story is generally upbeat but may be more engaging for older children and teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ. Creativity & curiosity; strongest caution: romance.

Readiness snapshotAge guidance: 10+Main watch-out: Romance 3/5
Recommendation 3.3/5
Review depth14 scored categories14 evidence notes

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Romance3/5
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5
  • Frightening scenes1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models3/5
  • Kindness & empathy3/5

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What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Generic 1960s branding and record industry references are used for setting, not blatant advertising.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild profanity or name-calling may occur, but strong language and slurs are not prominent.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Romantic relationships, engagement expectations, breakups, elopement, kissing, and eventual marriage are recurring parts of the story.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

Not a horror or thriller film; no scary content.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Contains very mild innuendo and suggestive thematic material.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Guy is hungover after meeting a musician at a club, indicating adult drinking-related behavior; substance use is not the film’s central focus.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Includes brief, non-graphic depictions of physical conflict, such as a disagreement between band members.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Characters display courage by following their musical passions and making difficult life choices.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Music-making, songwriting, performance, improvisation, recording, and inventive problem-solving are central to the film.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Reflects the limited diversity of the 1960s music scene it portrays.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

It offers incidental insight into 1960s popular music, recording, touring, promotion, and the entertainment business.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist shows consistent kindness and integrity throughout the story.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes integrity, responsibility, artistic growth, friendship, resilience, and resisting the pressures of fame and money.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters work hard and pursue music, but some make immature choices involving ambition, relationships, drinking, and professional pressure.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in That Thing You Do! would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in That Thing You Do!, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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