Young at Heart (2007)

User Rating:

7.9/10   

Director:

Stephen Walker

Release Date:

2 October 2008 (Germany)

Genre:

Documentary | Music

Tagline:

Rock 'n Roll Will Never Die

Plot:

A story of the Young at Heart Chorus, a group of senior citizens who perform contemporary and classic rock and pop songs.

Plot Keywords:

Chorus | Massachusetts | Rock Music | Elderly | Cancer

Awards:

4 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Joe Benoit	...	Himself - Chorus Member
Helen Boston	...	Herself - Chorus Member
Louise Canady	...	Herself - Chorus Member
Elaine Fligman	...	Herself - Chorus Member
Jean Florio	...	Herself - Chorus Member
Len Fontaine	...	Himself - Chorus Member
Stan Goldman	...	Himself - Chorus Member
Jeanne Hatch	...	Herself - Chorus Member
Eileen Hall	...	Herself - Chorus Member
Donald Jones	...	Himself - Chorus Member
Fred Knittle	...	Himself - Chorus Member
Norma Landry	...	Herself - Chorus Member
John Larareo	...	Himself - Chorus Member
Patricia Larese	...	Herself - Chorus Member
Miriam Leader	...	Herself - Chorus Member

Also Known As:

Young@Heart (USA) (new title)

MPAA:

Rated PG for some mild language and thematic elements.

Runtime:

USA:107 min | Germany:109 min (European Film Market)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

SDDS | Dolby Digital | DTS

Certification:

USA:PG | Switzerland:0 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:0 (canton of Vaud) | Germany:6 (f) | Germany:6 | Ireland:G | New Zealand:PG | South Korea:All

Filming Locations:

Hampshire County Jail and House of Correction, Northampton, Massachusetts, USA

Company:

Channel 4 Television Corporation

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Siskel & Ebert & the Movies: (2008-04-12)" (2008)

Soundtrack:

I Wanna Be Sedated

Forever Young

Greetings again from the darkness. This is about the most fun I have had at a movie in a long time. It is inspirational and heart-felt and emotional and enlightening. This group of elderly people are true entertainers and work hard at their craft.

The documentary approach by director Stpehen Walker at times is intrusive and abrupt, but the charm of the performers overcomes whatever clumsiness the film crew throws out. Choir director Bob Cilman is a pleasure to watch as he really drives the group to reach levels they otherwise wouldn't touch. Watching them try to capture a Sonic Youth song is at times painful, but in the end, redemptive. Even more painful is the "Yes I Can" sequence, but worst of all is watching one poor singer just unable to grasp his lines in the James Brown song "I Feel Good". Luckily, his onstage mishap has no bearing on the performance or his own enjoyment. What a triumphant moment.

The "stars" of the group are the ultra charismatic Eileen Hall. She is 92 years of dynamite! Opening the film belting out "Should I stay or should I go?" is even better when she describes it as a "Crash" song rather than "The Clash". Without a doubt the most touching performance in the film is from the amazing voice and persona of Fred Knittle as he sings Coldplay's "Fix You" in tribute to his recently deceased singing partner.

I dare anyone to keep a dry eye during Dylan's "Forever Young" or not bust out a smile during Bowie's "Golden Years". The video aspects do not take away from the film at all and "Staying Alive" will have you dancing in your seat! This is one of the special few for all ages. It is a must see and may require a little work or patience ... but it is absolutely worth the wait and the trip.