A Bronx Tale

1993 drama directed by Robert DeNiro and written by Chaz Palminteri from his play.

Both star in this New York story of a boy's coming of age with two strong influences: his straight arrow loving father and a flamboyant criminal who rules the neighborhood.

Good feel for its 1960s setting and both actors know New York. Great cast supports them in a story that is poingant and heartfelt.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106489/

That Thing You Do!

Made in 1996 and directed by Tom Hanks.

Stars Tom Hanks, Toim Everet Scott, Steve Zahn, and Liv Tyler.

Group of friends in early 1960s Pennsylvania write and record song that takes them to the top of the charts. Likeable tunes, especially the title song. Which is good since we must hear it a million times. And all the songs sound authentic to the time period.

Hanks plays an exec with PlayTone Records...Playtone is actually the the name of Hanks' production company.

Tom Everet Scott is fine as the "smart one" in the band, "Shades"...Zahn is funny, and Liv Tyler is the PERFECT girlfriend.

Good feel for the time period with just the right clothes, guitars, amps, and even microphones.

Hanks also co-wrote the script and some of the songs.

Likeable, fun, and light-hearted.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117887/