Young@Heart
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Movie Reviews of Young@Heart
Movie Review: A WHOLE family film where seniors "rock out".
Summary: 5 Stars
I won't go into the details of the "plot" of this wonderfully uplifting documentary, about the seven week journey this dozen + group of "seniors" make through rehearsal to the big night, since others have already provided this, as well as ... like any rock groupie... a "set list" of the songs performed in whole or part.
But I will recommend that you put September 16th on your calendar to head to your local video store, as that's the day it hits home video on DVD! In addition to the 1hr 48 film, the DVD includes 25 minutes of "deleted scenes". But these aren't all excerpts of a few minutes. They include the FULL-LENGTH "music videos" for three of the songs, including my favorite "I Will Survive" filmed in a bowling alley!
Want a sample? Go to www.youtube.com and type in Young@heart and watch one of the videos posted there.
There's also a short 5-minute featurette on opening night of their sell out concert in their home town. (The Chorus had played all over the world for years but surprisingly, never performed in their home town.).
If there ever was a film or DVD you could put on and gather the whole (and I mean WHOLE family, from nine to ninety) and have something in common, this is it! And try to not find yourself singing Allen Toussaint's "Yes we can can" (with it's 70+ "can can"'s) for days afterwards.
Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"
Movie Review: Young@Heart
Summary: 5 Stars
Young @ Heart is the all time great, feel good movie about senior citizens who are members of a choral group. This is a well thought-out documentary about people who are living life to its fullest and enjoying every minute of it. They have a purpose. They share their understanding of the realities of aging and illness, and discuss their opinions confidently, openly and with much good humor.
We get to meet and spend time with delightful people, and can identify with some of their insecurities as they prepare for a major concert. We share their concerns about the members who are battling illnesses, and they continue to learn words and music for songs totally unfamiliar, like James Brown's "I Feel Good" or "Schizophrenia" by Sonic Youth. They work diligently at their art, recognizing their limitations without losing their spirit or enthusiasm. They recognize the commitment and resolutely take on the responsibility that the show must go on, even when they're not always "feeling good."
There are lots of laughs and many touching moments. I left the theater with a smile. In a short time, I got to know this positive, lively bunch, and they were a part of my life. I shared in their joys and triumphs, shared in their down times, and was well rewarded with a stimulating and successful performance! A wonderful goup role model, made up of real people!
Movie Review: Don't Watch Without Kleenex
Summary: 5 Stars
A documentary with so much heart I'm pretty sure it would be impossible to watch without a few moments of blinking back tears. A performing ensemble made up of those in their very golden years, has set out to throw themselves into music and into the entertainment business with a sweet twist and unique takes on a quirky array of songs. Stand out numbers were Sonic Youth's Schizophrenic and James Brown's I Feel Good. The performance of Cold Play's Fix You just about undid me.
There are hilarious moments like a car trip with an 86-year-old at the wheel. Touching moments including a song dedication that didn't leave a dry eye in my house, or the sell out audience for that matter. And in between were the moments that brought life and death to the surface. Those moments shared with dignity and honesty.
Other than a smattering of off-color/suggestive comments (PG rated), Young at Heart is great family viewing.
As with all documentaries, the winding stories and details of life may bore children. If you hate documentaries you might not be won over to the genre by Young at Heart, but you'll also be missing a fascinating and encouraging slice of life if you skip it.
Movie Review: If you want to feel good...
Summary: 5 Stars
I saw this at a gathering of older students at a community college...not knowing what to expect. I was wonderfully surprised by this heartfelt beautiful film.
If I had heard that it was about a group of "senior citizens" singing rock songs I think I would have passed. I don't enjoy seeing old people serve as the brunt of jokes and it could seem like that's what this is about. But, although the sight of folks in their 80's and even 90's rocking out to music that was made way after they were young, could be grotesque, it really isn't. It is funny but we are never laughing at these people.
There is so much heart and good will in this film, which originates obviously with the terrific director. (Where did he get this idea?)
As joyous as it is, it doesn't spare us the facts of death. Part of the joy of it is the fact that these people live in that place of acute awareness of their own mortality. That's what makes it so precious. I laughed out loud a lot, something I don't do often and I went through four Kleenex's --- so that gives you an idea of the range of emotions this film will elicit in you. Go see it and be inspired!
Movie Review: You'll Laugh, You'll Cry
Summary: 5 Stars
It's a lot of fun for an audience of of all ages to listen to a group of 70- to 90-year-olds learn to sing modern music. These seniors are challenged by the unfamiliar tunes and puzzling lyrics, but there is talent in the group and they work hard to put together delightful performances.
But if that's all the film was, it would merely be enjoyable.
I found that it was much more than that. It's a compelling portrait of all the joy and pain in the lives of these individuals. A handful of the singers invite the camera into their homes and we get to peek into their everyday lives and learn why they love to sing. These individuals inspire plenty of smiles and laughter with their playfulness and self-deprecating humor. But it's hard not to feel even stronger feelings of empathy and sadness as the aging singers struggle with their own limitations.
The musical performances, like the characters themselves, are fun and moving at the same time. One performane, a ballad near the end of the film, was probably the most inspired musical performance I've seen in some time.