Young@Heart

Name: Young@Heart
Genre: Music, Documentary
Released: April 9, 2008
Duration: 107 min
Rating: 75

2008

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 23 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 16 Ratings

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7.8

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7.8	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 16 Ratings

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Movie Details & Credits

Fox Searchlight Pictures | Release Date: April 9, 2008 | PG

Summary: Prepare to be entertained by the inspiring individuals of Young@Heart, a New England senior citizens' chorus that has delighted audiences worldwide with their covers of songs by everyone from The Clash to Coldplay. As Stephen Walker's documentary begins, the retirees, led by their strict musical director, are rehearsing their new show,Prepare to be entertained by the inspiring individuals of Young@Heart, a New England senior citizens' chorus that has delighted audiences worldwide with their covers of songs by everyone from The Clash to Coldplay. As Stephen Walker's documentary begins, the retirees, led by their strict musical director, are rehearsing their new show, struggling with a discordant Sonic Youth number and giving new meaning to James Brown's "I Feel Good." What ultimately emerges is a funny and unexpectedly moving testament to friendship, creative inspiration, and reaching beyond expectations. (Fox Searchlight)… Expand

Director: Sally George and Stephen Walker

Genre(s): Music, Documentary

Rating: PG

Runtime: 107 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Marc Mohan

If Young at Heart were merely a cheeky presentation of codgers belting out inappropriate tunes, it would be a curiosity and nothing more. But by getting inside the lives of a few of its members, the movie ultimately paints a moving portrait of senior citizens who believe it's better to burn out than fade away. Read full review

Jessica Reaves

An exuberant, affectionate documentary. Read full review

Carrie Rickey

Vibrant and vivacious documentary. Read full review

Andy Spletzer

If the chorus was the sole focus of the documentary, it would have been brilliant. Unfortunately, director Stephen Walker makes the movie as much about himself as it is about the singers. Read full review

Lou Lumenick

It's truly inspiring to watch Fred Knittle, 81 and tethered to an oxygen tank, perform a riveting solo of Coldplay's "Fix You" after his singing partner dies shortly before the show. Read full review

James Berardinelli

Likely to bring a smile to your lips and a bounce to your step. Read full review

J.R. Jones

The project reeks of commercial calculation, which is just tolerable until Walker, in search of a story arc, follows two chorus members with serious illnesses into the hospital. Read full review

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User Reviews

Chris

May 13, 2008

I was astonished to see that this film is not in the top 5 on the list. This is one of those films that everyone should see, especially those who are sitting on the pity pot. It is beautiful, touching, life-affirming story that will make you laugh and make you cry - and when you walk out of I was astonished to see that this film is not in the top 5 on the list. This is one of those films that everyone should see, especially those who are sitting on the pity pot. It is beautiful, touching, life-affirming story that will make you laugh and make you cry - and when you walk out of the theater you'll just want to start singing - take advantage of the fact that this film is in theaters and go see it ! You'll be glad you did.… Expand

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PatriciaB.

Apr 11, 2008

This movie is a true gem. I haven't laughed -- or cried -- so much in ages! The "Fix You" segment alone is worth the price of admission. What's so great is that this isn't just a corny "look at all the old people, aren't they cute" kind of movie. Instead, we get to see This movie is a true gem. I haven't laughed -- or cried -- so much in ages! The "Fix You" segment alone is worth the price of admission. What's so great is that this isn't just a corny "look at all the old people, aren't they cute" kind of movie. Instead, we get to see several members of the chorus profiled on a more individual basis so you get a sense of their personalities. "Old people" aren't a nameless, faceless group separate from the rest of society. They're US many years from now. Just like folks in their teens, 20's, 30's and so on - they have their likes and dislikes... their strengths and weaknesses. And the filmmakers here really captured that sense of individuality, while at the same time really keeping the throughline focused on how the chorus comes together to put on these shows. There are even little "music videos" peppered throughout the film that are absolutely delightful. A must see!… Expand

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KevinN.

Apr 18, 2008

Really quite good. Fix You is absolutely marvelous. a bit slow at time though.

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MelindaS.

Jun 21, 2008

I hope Bob Cilman, the chorus director, has a long and successful career. What he does with - and for - these amazing performers (and they are all performers first, singers second) is inspirational. Rock music is a complex and compelling thing, and this documentary gives it yet another dimension.

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ImOnFire

Mar 18, 2013

This movie is as inspiring as it is emotional as it is funny. It is a must watch music documentary. I did not like the background comments made by the director and following members of the group to the hospital was unnecessary and insensitive as well, but I looked past these flaws andThis movie is as inspiring as it is emotional as it is funny. It is a must watch music documentary. I did not like the background comments made by the director and following members of the group to the hospital was unnecessary and insensitive as well, but I looked past these flaws and thought it was incredible from start to finish. You have no reason not to watch this, seriously (and you don't even have to be a rock fan).… Expand

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ChadS.

May 23, 2008

Avant-garde composer/musician John Zorn said this about the Langley School Music Project, "This is is beauty. This is truth. This is music that touches the heart in a way no other music ever has, or ever could." Unlike the field recordings of the seventies era-Canadian school children(led Avant-garde composer/musician John Zorn said this about the Langley School Music Project, "This is is beauty. This is truth. This is music that touches the heart in a way no other music ever has, or ever could." Unlike the field recordings of the seventies era-Canadian school children(led by music teacher Hans Fenger) who would go on to inspire Richard Linklater's "The School of Rock", there's a knowingness behind the retirement home chorus renditions of post-punk standards like "Life During Wartime"(David Byrne) and "Schizophrenia"(Thurston Moore), which has the subtle reek of exploitation. The manipulation is deliberative and a little too choreographed. The music director knows exactly how these fragile people, who quite literally throughout "Young at Heart", drop like flies, will impact an audience, when interpreting songs about their impending mortality(most astonishingly, we hear The Police's "Every Breath You Take", a song about romantic obsession, with new ears). So you have to negotiate a little calculation with your "up with old people" uplift. But there are exceptions; most notably, the guy in the wheelchair whose modest, plaintive voice finds the truth in Coldplay's "Fix You". I'm cynical, but not that cynical.… Expand

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DaleM

May 23, 2008

I feel this movie has very limited appeal. If you like reality tv especially shows that give you a vicarious feeling of doing good while sitting in your armchair, you might like this movie. If you want a good storyline, don't go see this movie. The musical numbers are good, but there I feel this movie has very limited appeal. If you like reality tv especially shows that give you a vicarious feeling of doing good while sitting in your armchair, you might like this movie. If you want a good storyline, don't go see this movie. The musical numbers are good, but there are surprisingly few of them. I felt the movie was somewhat condescending.… Expand

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