This documentary about senior citizens in a singing group that covers rock songs by the likes of the Ramones and Sonic Youth was well-received when it first came out in 2007. Since the success of Glee came after this movie, it also has an element of being ahead of the game in terms of putting a twist on modern rock and pop songs. Unfortunately, it also has the burden of sometimes appearing as a novelty, kind of like the way you'll awkwardly laugh when a toddler repeats a string of swear words. The video of their version of "Stayin' Alive" is so tongue-in-cheek, it bordered on being condescending to me.
But the movie is still an inspiring story. Some of these seniors dedicate themselves to sing together as if it's something they live for--sadly, the concept of death and near-death is not lost in this documentary. And clearly, they enjoy singing (even though they are sometimes frustrated with the songs or lyrics). And sometimes the songs really work. The Ramone's "Sedated" certainly has a humorous restlessness that really clicks with this chorus. And Coldplay's "Fix You" sung by a member of this senior chorus resonates with the gravity of long life experience that is simply moving.
Overall, I give this movie a B. Enjoy it on NetFlix because by the time I watched this DVD it became available as a streaming movie. I know, time to return the DVD finally.
2 comments:
I loved this movie! Despite the fact that at least two of them died.
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