
That Thing You Do!
1996

1964
NRDirector
George Sidney
Runtime
85 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetSynopsis
Lucky Jackson arrives in Las Vegas with his car literally in tow ready for the first Grand Prix — once he has the money for an engine. He gets the cash easily enough but mislays it when the pretty pool manageress takes his mind off things. It seems he'll lose both race and girl, problems complicated by rivalry from womanizing fellow racer Elmo Mancini.
Overall Score
Minimal
Category Breakdown
LGBTQ+ Representation
The film follows a strictly heteronormative structure. It focuses entirely on the romantic courtship between the male lead and the female lead without any non-cisnormative identities.
Gender Representation
While Vicki offers a dynamic and spirited presence, the plot remains driven by male ambition. The film adheres to mid-century dynamics without subverting traditional hierarchies.
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
The cast is predominantly white, reflecting the era's production standards. Las Vegas serves as an escapist backdrop rather than a space for exploring racial or ethnic plurality.
Religious & Cultural Diversity
The story celebrates mid-century American consumerism and Western ideals of courtship. It upholds the polished, optimistic social standards typical of 1960s musical comedies.
Disability Representation
There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities. The narrative focuses exclusively on the musical and romantic lives of the leads.
Strengths
Areas for Improvement
AI Analysis
Viva Las Vegas is a quintessential product of the 1960s studio system, prioritizing high-gloss escapism over social exploration. The narrative architecture relies on conventional romantic tropes and traditional social hierarchies that were standard for the era. The film reinforces a homogeneous demographic, focusing on white-centric storytelling and mid-century consumerist ideals. It lacks intentionality regarding intersectional representation, opting instead for a polished, optimistic view of American life. Ultimately, the production serves as a time capsule of mainstream entertainment, emphasizing individual achievement and traditional courtship within a narrow cultural framework.

1996

1945

1942

1954

1956

1956

1954

1953

1957

1951

1949

1969
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!
Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.