I wonder what happened to the Wonders? Tom Hanks wrote and directed exactly one movie, and it's a perfect little ode to the one-hit wonder. We get into Lenny's endless quotables (shoutout to "Alone in My Principles"), whether that song is actually fast or just an "up-tempo number," Faye putting Jimmy in his place, the extended cut's extra 40 minutes, and the absolute worst sandwich in cinema history. Plus: could this movie even exist in the age of TikTok and AI music? Do yourself a favor and change your shoes.
00:00:00 Favorite Scenes: Radio Success, Del Paxton, and the Band’s Breakthrough
00:31:23 Pittsburgh’s Convincing Concert and Local Emcee
00:34:16 The TV Confrontation, the Band’s Breakup, and What Comes Next
00:39:25 Lenny’s Best Lines and the Film’s Natural Dialogue
00:47:26 Favorite Characters: Lenny, Faye, and Guy Patterson
00:55:40 Tom Hanks’s Grueling Production and Gary Marshall’s Shoe Advice
00:57:59 The Film’s Least Favorite Moments and Gentle, Period Feel
01:01:20 You remake this movie now?
01:02:42 Five questions: The Film’s Present-Day Fit and Staying Power
01:06:45 Movie-Night Recommendation and Sign-off
