The experience gave the four a chance to get to know each other and gives the film a genuine feel. A fifth unofficial member of the band is Faye, played with a refreshing naturalness by Liv Tyler, who shows she's no one-hit wonder. Hanks, who just turned 40, looks beefier than usual, particularly next to the young actors in his movie. But he's perfect as a slick promoter who hasn't crossed the line into sleazy, con-artist territory. Hanks, obviously, had fun making the movie.
Subtle jokes are evident in the casting.
For example, singer-actor Chris Isaak plays Uncle Bob, an audio engineer who records the band's tune in between his job of taping church choirs. And Hanks' wife, actress Rita Wilson, plays a wry cocktail waitress who wears a Playboy bunny-type outfit and serves drinks in a jazz club. With his first major directing assignment a success, Hanks doesn't have to worry about finding an acting role. He can always make another movie or write the music for one. Of the film's 25 original songs, Hanks wrote four and co-wrote five, according to the credits.