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REEL CRITIC:
Movie is one worth singing out about
By Matt Bellner
Every once in a while, I’ll see a movie that makes me glad to be alive and inspires me to be a more complete person. The documentary “Young at Heart” did just that, and I hope it does the same for you.
“Young at Heart” is the emotional story of a choir from Massachusetts that performs rock and pop songs for audiences around the world.
Nothing real unique about that story line, except the average age of the members is 81. This fascinating film follows the chorus for seven weeks as it rehearses and struggles to learn new songs before putting on a sold-out show in the singers’ hometown.
Can the senior citizens learn the modern material before the opening curtain? Will the show still go on if a key performer becomes ill or passes away? At what age are you too old to rock ’n’ roll? These questions get answered in an uplifting 107 minutes that will have you cheering for an encore.
In today’s youth-obsessed culture, it was a breath of fresh air to see a movie that honors older Americans and their talents. The director, Stephen Walker, does an incredible job of telling the stories of the good-natured choir members without poking fun at their melodic limitations. A lesser director would have made “Young at Heart” a cruel comedy, but Walker’s film literally has heart.
“Young at Heart” is a great movie to see with a group, and since it’s rated PG, everyone can enjoy the production. The ages at my screening ranged from 8 to 98. My friend and I heard crying, laughing and clapping in the darkened theater. Rumor has it — I may have even shed a tear.
Those of you who have grandparents or older relatives should treat your family to a day at the cinema. Kids and teenagers will enjoy the song choices, and more experienced film fans will fall in love with the singers and their stories.
I grew up in a musical family, but as a child I would pretend to sing in the school choir because my vocal skills were so poorly developed.
After seeing this movie, I’m going to start singing again. Maybe with some hard work and a few trips to Dimples in Burbank, I’ll be able to join the Young at Heart chorus when I become eligible in 2048.
Technically speaking, everything is solid and well edited for such a low-budget production. Throughout the film, humorous music videos featuring the group performing on location are sprinkled in for comedic relief and to push the story forward. Some of these selections are big hits on YouTube, but I recommend seeing the film on the big screen first.
The final act focuses on the concert the choir has been rehearsing for and two difficult selections, “Fix You” by Coldplay and “I Feel Good” by James Brown.
I won’t spoil the ending, but you must experience these two songs yourself to fully appreciate the work put in by the choir director, Bob Cilman, the band and the crew.
A major story line of “Young at Heart” deals with the delicate subject of aging.
During a recent routine health checkup, I took an aging test, and according to the data, I’m scheduled to live until I’m 84. I plan on taking the advice of the chorus members, and I’m sure I can raise that number to 94.
In 1965, Roger Daltrey, lead singer of “The Who,” famously sang, “I hope I die before I get old” on the massive hit “My Generation.” After seeing “Young at Heart,” I have to disagree with Daltrey. I hope I get OLD before I die.
MATT BELLNER is an actor and comedy writer from Burbank.
“Young at Heart” is the emotional story of a choir from Massachusetts that performs rock and pop songs for audiences around the world.
Nothing real unique about that story line, except the average age of the members is 81. This fascinating film follows the chorus for seven weeks as it rehearses and struggles to learn new songs before putting on a sold-out show in the singers’ hometown.
Can the senior citizens learn the modern material before the opening curtain? Will the show still go on if a key performer becomes ill or passes away? At what age are you too old to rock ’n’ roll? These questions get answered in an uplifting 107 minutes that will have you cheering for an encore.
In today’s youth-obsessed culture, it was a breath of fresh air to see a movie that honors older Americans and their talents. The director, Stephen Walker, does an incredible job of telling the stories of the good-natured choir members without poking fun at their melodic limitations. A lesser director would have made “Young at Heart” a cruel comedy, but Walker’s film literally has heart.
“Young at Heart” is a great movie to see with a group, and since it’s rated PG, everyone can enjoy the production. The ages at my screening ranged from 8 to 98. My friend and I heard crying, laughing and clapping in the darkened theater. Rumor has it — I may have even shed a tear.
Those of you who have grandparents or older relatives should treat your family to a day at the cinema. Kids and teenagers will enjoy the song choices, and more experienced film fans will fall in love with the singers and their stories.
I grew up in a musical family, but as a child I would pretend to sing in the school choir because my vocal skills were so poorly developed.
After seeing this movie, I’m going to start singing again. Maybe with some hard work and a few trips to Dimples in Burbank, I’ll be able to join the Young at Heart chorus when I become eligible in 2048.
Technically speaking, everything is solid and well edited for such a low-budget production. Throughout the film, humorous music videos featuring the group performing on location are sprinkled in for comedic relief and to push the story forward. Some of these selections are big hits on YouTube, but I recommend seeing the film on the big screen first.
The final act focuses on the concert the choir has been rehearsing for and two difficult selections, “Fix You” by Coldplay and “I Feel Good” by James Brown.
I won’t spoil the ending, but you must experience these two songs yourself to fully appreciate the work put in by the choir director, Bob Cilman, the band and the crew.
A major story line of “Young at Heart” deals with the delicate subject of aging.
During a recent routine health checkup, I took an aging test, and according to the data, I’m scheduled to live until I’m 84. I plan on taking the advice of the chorus members, and I’m sure I can raise that number to 94.
In 1965, Roger Daltrey, lead singer of “The Who,” famously sang, “I hope I die before I get old” on the massive hit “My Generation.” After seeing “Young at Heart,” I have to disagree with Daltrey. I hope I get OLD before I die.
MATT BELLNER is an actor and comedy writer from Burbank.
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