tunnelboy I didn't know what to expect when I read the label. Some elderly people singing the songs of Coldplay and Jimi Hendrix. OK, sounds like a fun movie. It was without a doubt the most moving movie I've seen as far as I could remember! And I was not at all prepared for that.It makes you stop and really think about life, and what you're doing with it and where it's heading for you.It's uplifting and sad at the same time. The prison scene did it for me. But if anyone reads these comments and are scared away by the words "sad" or "depressing", TRUST ME... you will not regret watching this.I also loved the "music videos". They really helped make this movie enjoyable to watch.My only negative reactions (with the reality, not the film)... and this is definitely a spoiler, was Bob's ego. Especially when playing in front of a live audience. I felt that he should have been either offstage or at least off to the side. I couldn't believe he had a mike and was singing in the front. He just didn't belong there out in front.

jotix100 Stephen Walker magnificent documentary "Young at Heart" is a tribute to life. We are taken to meet a group of senior citizens in Massachusetts that defied staying home and became involved in doing something maybe most of them never thought capable of doing: singing. The chorus, led by Bob Cilman, proves there should not be a limit in whatever a person decides to do with his life, even if it comes this late.The most interesting thing about this group is the selection of songs included in their repertoire. There is no such thing as interpreting the standard melodies one would associate to them, based on their ages. They tackle contemporary music with a gusto and sophistication that turn their interpretation into a different tune altogether.The film starts with Eileen Hall, a lady using her cane as support, in a rendition of "Should I Stay, or Should I Go?" giving it a different meaning to what one remembers it to sound when it first was popular. There are also songs such as "I Wanna Be Sedated", a Ramones hit, heard in a new approach. The Pointer Sisters' "Yes, we can can" presents a problem for the many times the word 'can' is repeated during rehearsal. In their performance in front of an audience, the song flows effortlessly. James Brown's "I Feel Good" becomes a disarming duet that has the audience begging for more.The Young@Heart group deserves all the praise it can get. After all, these are people in their so-called "Golden Years" that have decided to put all their efforts into what they enjoy doing. Stephen Walker has captured the essence of the group, under the intelligent direction of Bob Cilman. A film highly recommended for everyone because of the positive message it gets across.

kerinsky A "feel good" documentary movie, all right, that probably will "work" for a lot of people (but, as ever the case, not everyone -- it may help to have a few years on one, at the time of viewing -- otherwise, it's for the "more sensitive" types).Young at Heart helps us to feel good/better, about our fellow human beings.Young at Heart helps us to feel better about what our personal "old age" might be like -- it may not be as bad as we have tended to think it.Young at Heart, being a documentary, amplifies the "feel good effect", because we know that we not just feeling good because of a work of fiction.The music, also, greatly amplifies the "feel good effect" (maybe especially, because of the James Brown song that is performed within the film).One of the central delights is the seeming incongruity of these mature folks singing music that is from much more recent generations (and not even to their personal liking, as is found out in the viewing). Also, that there is so much energy in the music, and in the performances, from such a chorus.Further delights: The music is in fact embraceable, vivacious, well-done, and often meaningful. By this alone, the movie is enjoyable, and worth the price of admission.The "community spirit" that is shown -- generally positive attitudes, even in trying circumstances.We see a lot of "goodness" in people, and this can help our personal and communal spirits, in these times when "evil" seems to be getting the upper hand. The empathy that is engendered for people that are probably much older than (and thus "different" from) oneself.The somewhat multi-racial characteristic is enheartening.There is a message of "world peace" in one of the songs, and that seems more possible, after viewing the filmI learned more appreciation for the artistry of being a "music director" -- not just the quality of the selected music, but being able to tell what's going on at any given moment in relation to the performances. The chorus director seems "nearly saintly" (and is inspiring, in himself). (There is a scene where he is being interviewed at a little length, out-of-doors, and it's the "greenist" image that I think I've ever seen -- could be used by environmentalists.)The cinematography, editing, and interviews lend to a sense of appreciation for the film- makers.It seems to me that the "world could be a better place" (if only for a little while), if only more people could see this film.Overall, fairly memorable, quite positive, and very worthwhile.

george.schmidt YOUNG AT HEART (2008) **** Rock of ages In Stephen Walker's documentary –or should I say 'rockumentary' – the Young at Heart Chorus, a group of senior citizens who sing rock and roll songs, based in Northhampton, MA, is profiled with breadth and levity showcasing their individual talents as well as performing as an ensemble, as well as their ailments and the living testimony that it is never too late to rock 'n' roll.Founded by Bob Cilman, a fifty something year old 'kid', originally as a choir specializing in old pop standards, Broadway show tunes and 'old folk' music he came up with the idea over 25 years ago to incorporate classic and contemporary rock staples which became something of a gimmick at first but fully realized as something more: underscoring many of the lyrics with a unique perspective and interpretation by his octogenarian sect (the media age of 80).Since then the group has barnstormed all over the country – and the world – and getting much acclaim. Walker films the several weeks of rehearsal for a new gig and Cilman's tough task-master skills at display in attempting to get his singers to hit the right notes, pick up the right beat cues and most importantly now the song cold. While there are some frustrations felt by Cilman for the most part he is fair and allows his group the time and effort to develop into a finely tuned body that is surprising in the process not only how they are attuned but also how they function. What is unexpected is the melancholy feel throughout as some of the members fall into bad health situations (sadly two of its key singers pass away before their fated concert the film focuses on) but it is also with plenty of humor, insight of what it means to be elderly but not 'old' and how in the autumn of one's life one can appreciate a new calling (i.e. many of the choir prefer classical music than the genre they are covering).The true highlights are the short videos interspersed through out the doc including "Stayin' Alive", "I Wanna Be Sedated" and a clever "On the Road To Nowhere", as well as a performance at a state prison to a captive audience. I was overwhelmed by the professionalism the troupe displayed as 'amateurs' in the old adage "the show must go on" and the true emotional peak is member Fred Knittle's heart- wrenching work on Coldplay's "Fix You" as a suitable eulogy to his fallen comrades; if you don't cry then you are simply made of stone.I whole-heartedly recommend you to seek this indie doc out and experience rock and roll in its purest form I've seen in a long time: aged yet wise, like a fine wine. One of the year's best.