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Movies Forum Index » Movie Reviews Forum » Review: Young at Heart (2008)
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| Steve Rhodes |
 Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 3:03 pm |
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YOUNG AT HEART
A film review by Steve Rhodes
Copyright 2008 Steve Rhodes
RATING (0 TO ****): *** 1/2
"We went from continent to continent until I became incontinent," says an
ex-leader of the Young at Heart Chorus, a group of senior citizens who
perform songs ranging from classic rock to rhythm-and-blues to punk rock.
In their seventies, eighties and nineties, the group's energetic members
face a whole host of health problems, some so severe that they die during
the filming.
Although it does have its poignant moments, this is wonderfully exuberant
film, full of life, which amply illustrates how fulfilling old age can be.
And, speaking of "can"s, one of the songs the group is busy learning is a
tongue twister called "Yes We Can," which features seventy-one "can"s in the
lyrics.
The only "youngster" in Stephen Walker's documentary YOUNG AT HEART is Bob
Cilman, the chorus's fifty-three-year-old leader. This exemplary patient
man, with his wild and curly salt-and-pepper hair and his small gray goatee,
looks a bit like Mitch Miller's ex-hippie son. When Bob's group has trouble
nailing a song, which is just about every time, he keeps trying, and, with
one particularly tricky number, he allows as how it might be 2009 before
it's ready.
The film mixes in lots of rehearsal footage with concerts and interviews.
But my favorite parts were the many music videos they show. Perhaps the
best of these is a song and dance number in a neon lit bowling alley.
Singing "Staying Alive," they dance by the lanes. And staying alive is what
the group is really all about. Not merely living -- but really being alive.
Coming from their homes and nursing homes to be in their choir, these old
folks dispel many myths about what old people can do. Their facial
expressions alone are priceless and say it all. These people are enjoying
life to the fullest, even if this year could be their last -- maybe,
especially because this year could be their last. You're going to feel lots
of respect, admiration and love for these "singers." Some have minimal
singing ability, but some are quite good. What they all possess is lots of
heart.
A very funny film, it just lets the seniors talk, and many of them prove to
be real jokesters. Fred Knittle, who has been married for fifty-four years,
tells the secret of their success. "We go dancing twice a week. I go on
Tuesdays, and she goes on Thursdays. Our marriage is based on faith and
trust. I don't have faith in her, and she doesn't trust me."
My eighty-three-year-old father loved it, but, regardless of your age, I
guarantee that you'll leave YOUNG AT HEART with a big smile on your face.
This musical is sheer joy and infectiously happy. And it's one of the best
films thus far this year.
YOUNG AT HEART runs 1:48. It is rated PG for "some mild language and
thematic elements" and would be acceptable for all ages.
The film opens nationwide in the United States on Friday, May 2, 2008 but
begins a limited release on Friday, April 9, 2008. In the Silicon Valley,
it will be showing at the Camera Cinemas.
Web: http://www.InternetReviews.com
Email: Steve.Rhodes@InternetReviews.com
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