Young @ Heart (B+ or 3.5/4 stars)
It's never too late to get a high out of life in 'Young @ Heart', a documentary directed by Stephen Walker. This wonderful film chronicles 7 weeks of rehearsal for the 'Young at Hearts Chorus' of Northampton, MA. The average age of this group is around 80. Surprisingly, these elderly folks willingly tackle (led by a patient musical director, 53 yr. old Bob Cilman) ... contemporary music. i.e., Coldplay, Sonic Youth, James Brown, & the Talking Heads. They love music, they love to sing, but their health is always something that could prevent their choral participation. 'Y@H' is brilliant because it successfully combines delightful people, humorous rehearsal sessions, and ... the heartbreaking events that could happen to anybody of a certain age.
First off, it's interesting to note that this group has been around since 1982 and have toured Europe (even sang for royalty). They know what it takes to learn lyrics, hone their skills, & sell a song to a large crowd. Since meeting everybody in the group would result in a 4 hour film, Walker lets us meet only a handful of intriguing characters. We meet (and fall in love with) a spunky 92 yr. old Eileen; we also meet the endearing 86 yr. old Lenny; the hysterical Fred, a vocally versatile man who is strapped to an oxygen tank; Bob Salvani, a man trying to overcome a serious health setback; and 83 yr. old Joe Benoit, a jolly fellow who has overcome a series of chemotherapy treatments to live ... live to sing.
There are several others whom we get the privilege of meeting. We look at these people as our grandparents, or even our great-grandparents, and we want nothing but for them to be happy. We, the audience, benefit greatly from hearing the background stories of some of these amazing personalities. And because of this, when tragedy strikes, the rehearsals take on 'more' meaning, the songs take on 'more' meaning, and the big concert takes on an even greater purpose. Stephen Walker could not have guessed that his initially light-hearted look into the Y@H choral group would turn out to be so important, so sentimental, so inspirational.
I had an inkling I would enjoy 'Young @ Heart', but I never imagined how moving it would be. Call me a fuddy duddy, call me an old soul, but this film knocked me out. I smiled, I laughed, I teared up, and I was inspired. So many senior citizens have set backs that would make them throw in the towel; they're decrepitude. Many of these folks have 'seen the white light', so to speak. They've rebounded from heart attacks, cancer, etc. So their persistence and insistence on living & loving what they do is remarkable to see. The choral camaraderie here brings back fond high school memories. Having been in a choir myself, I can attest to getting a 'high on life' feel whenever I sang with my peers. It's therapeutic, AND you learn about music.
I enjoyed watching these oldsters croon their way through Stayin' Alive, Yes We Can Can (a tongue-twisty song that's been highlighted in all the trailers), I Feel Good, Fix You & Life in Wartime (2 incredible songs made even more poignant due to unfortunate circumstances that arise before the concert). Anyone who has reservations about documentaries (like me) needn't worry because although the movie almost wears out its welcome, and although there are low-budget cinematic limitations, it's the true stories of this group that completely reel you in. This documentary doesn't tackle life-changing questions. But I say sit back, relax, name that tune, tap your foot, & shed that tear. Music is empowering, and nowhere is that more evident than in the rehearsal halls of Northampton, MA.
First off, it's interesting to note that this group has been around since 1982 and have toured Europe (even sang for royalty). They know what it takes to learn lyrics, hone their skills, & sell a song to a large crowd. Since meeting everybody in the group would result in a 4 hour film, Walker lets us meet only a handful of intriguing characters. We meet (and fall in love with) a spunky 92 yr. old Eileen; we also meet the endearing 86 yr. old Lenny; the hysterical Fred, a vocally versatile man who is strapped to an oxygen tank; Bob Salvani, a man trying to overcome a serious health setback; and 83 yr. old Joe Benoit, a jolly fellow who has overcome a series of chemotherapy treatments to live ... live to sing.
There are several others whom we get the privilege of meeting. We look at these people as our grandparents, or even our great-grandparents, and we want nothing but for them to be happy. We, the audience, benefit greatly from hearing the background stories of some of these amazing personalities. And because of this, when tragedy strikes, the rehearsals take on 'more' meaning, the songs take on 'more' meaning, and the big concert takes on an even greater purpose. Stephen Walker could not have guessed that his initially light-hearted look into the Y@H choral group would turn out to be so important, so sentimental, so inspirational.
I had an inkling I would enjoy 'Young @ Heart', but I never imagined how moving it would be. Call me a fuddy duddy, call me an old soul, but this film knocked me out. I smiled, I laughed, I teared up, and I was inspired. So many senior citizens have set backs that would make them throw in the towel; they're decrepitude. Many of these folks have 'seen the white light', so to speak. They've rebounded from heart attacks, cancer, etc. So their persistence and insistence on living & loving what they do is remarkable to see. The choral camaraderie here brings back fond high school memories. Having been in a choir myself, I can attest to getting a 'high on life' feel whenever I sang with my peers. It's therapeutic, AND you learn about music.
I enjoyed watching these oldsters croon their way through Stayin' Alive, Yes We Can Can (a tongue-twisty song that's been highlighted in all the trailers), I Feel Good, Fix You & Life in Wartime (2 incredible songs made even more poignant due to unfortunate circumstances that arise before the concert). Anyone who has reservations about documentaries (like me) needn't worry because although the movie almost wears out its welcome, and although there are low-budget cinematic limitations, it's the true stories of this group that completely reel you in. This documentary doesn't tackle life-changing questions. But I say sit back, relax, name that tune, tap your foot, & shed that tear. Music is empowering, and nowhere is that more evident than in the rehearsal halls of Northampton, MA.