Wow; a documentary that is never boring. Directed masterfully by Stephen Walker, Young @ Heart is almost two hours, but I could have watched much more without losing interest. Many filmmakers don't edit enough out of their work, but Walker uses his camera perfectly and keeps things moving.Twenty two senior citizens, averaging eighty years of age, are encouraged to sing in a chorus run by the demanding Bob Cilman. He is the Vince Lombardi of choir masters. We follow their progress for two months as they practice material ranging from James Brown to Sonic Youth to Cold Play. During that period, two of the members die, but the show must go on, and does it ever. The personal life experiences of the residents are compelling and when they are at a prison, the inmates are so overcome with emotion that they embrace the choir. By the time the finale rolls around, with a performance of Cold Play's Miss You, by a severely handicapped man, your heart will be ripped out of your chest; it is that powerful. I cannot praise Young @ Heart highly enough and I hope to see more good things from Stephen Walker.

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.

Young@Heart would have been my favorite for the Oscar for best documentary awarded in February 2009. It was not on the list. The film is about seniors who never give up, who entertain rather than complain and who love to perform.A serious theme running through the film which is what choices people make in dealing with aging. These seniors find the courage to do something new even though some of them are loitering around death's door. The film deals with the healing power of music. Music transforms these senior citizens and gives them purpose and joy. When they perform, they feel no pain; they are not elderly any more; they have no complaints, and they inspire.Skillfully edited, the documentary tells stories of magnetic people who find joy in performing and bringing joy to others. The rock videos spaced in the film are brilliant and funny. It is fun to watch these senior citizens adapt to edgy music and learn to sing it. They struggle to comprehend what they hear. They struggle to master the lyrics. They work hard to adapt to the changes in music. We root for them, and they succeed.There weren't many films much better than this in the documentary category. This film was robbed by the Academy. Some old geezers should have wobbled up to the stage at the Kodak Theater with their walkers and shown those whippersnappers how they get on with the business of living.

One of the best I've seen. Ran the gamut of emotions from laughter to tears. Also reinforced the positive power creativity has on the aging process as reinforced by Dr. Gene Cohen in his books: Creative Aging and the Mature MindThe strong self concepts and ability to relate to the cycles of life in a positive way was extremely refreshing and revitalizing.I saw people hugging and relating very affectionately to one another after this movie. It lets the viewer know the importance of love, honesty and the fragility of life. Live well, love a lot, and that is what will matter in the end. How to be accepting and positive came through strongly. I am still friends of people who knew my mother and am taking some of them this Saturday to view this film!