A Paint By Numbers Movie that Works

Rating: Null/10 (21 December 2002)

While some people may castigate this film for being derivative and not breaking any new ground, sometimes its good to tell a story that plays out according to a formula. Some of the best films have borrowed heavily, bordering on blatant rip-offs, of similar films. The bottom line is to do it well and please the audience. That's where this film succeeds.
Director Tom Hanks calls in a bunch of favors from his Hollywood cronies to tell a story about a one-hit-wonder band in early 60s America. At a time when the Beatles were taking the country by storm, the Wonders stumble into everything, including fame. With cameos by Hanks' buddies such as his former Boosom Buddies co-star Peter Scolari, Chris Isaak, Kevin Pollak, Clint Howard (Ron's brother)and Johnathan Demme, to name only a few, Hanks spins a wonderful tale that is utterly predictable and totally fulfilling.
Liv Tyler comes close to stealing the show as the lead singer's girlfriend who goes on the road with them. Her bouts of Beatlemania-esque screaming are sure to bring a smile to your face. It's easy to see how she would later go on to bigger and better things.
With a superb cast and a nice story, you really have to be a curmudgeon not to like this film.