Young@Heart is a Documentary Film that ended up in our Netflix Queue and we couldn't remember who added it. So, when it arrived we watched it without any great expectations and found it delightful! Young@Heart is the film name but also the group name for this Geriatric Choir! Their shtick is to teach the old folks some rock and roll and let 'em rip! And, even if it's a gimmick; it works! They are awesome!
Several of the songs they perform have a comic twist. Here is a sampling:
*the BeeGee's "Staying Alive"
*the Police "Every Breath You Take"
*David Bowie "Golden Years"
*The Clash "Should I Stay or Should I Go"
The group, Young@Heart, are honestly really good and very inspiring! In the film you can see the rejuvenation and excitement of the elderly as they discover new meaning and purpose in later life! It's very cool! Forget about "growing old gracefully;" these crooners are "growing old & hip" while belting out Outcast's "Hey Ya!" Visualize your grandparents doing that!
One benefit of a choir filled with the aging; they are available! Practice can be scheduled anytime without many other commitments on their calendars! One problem of a choir filled with the aging is longevity! (Duh!) Twice during the film main singers died right before a big performance!
A touching moment in the show (there were lots actually) was a vignette where the big guy in the white suit sings "Fix You" a beautiful song by Coldplay. Two men were planning to sing together with background vocals from the choir but the week before Young@Heart's traveling show one of the lead guys died. So, the other still sang in tribute to his friend. Along with his voice you can hear the oxygen tank he is hooked up to in the background. And it actually adds to the song! Seriously! You've gotta love any movie that makes you laugh AND makes you cry!
