'Young@Heart' heartwarming

By: Keith Cohen, The Movie Guy

Keith’s Top 5 Flick Picks:

Young @ Heart

Iron Man

Priceless

Redbelt

Made of Honor

Movie Reviews:

YOUNG @ HEART

 4 stars Rated PG

A documentary about a New England senior citizen chorus that has delighted audiences worldwide for more than two decades with their versions of classic rock and punk songs.

Singing and fellowship becomes therapeutic for these old-timers from Northampton, Mass. Up-close and personal interviews allow the audience to really get to know the individual members of the group and their excitable taskmaster, choir director Bob Cilman.

These retirees, with an average age of 80, show lots of spirit and energy during rehearsals and live performances. Their facial expressions are funny and priceless. They maintain a sense of humor and a zest for life even when facing health problems. They enunciate the lyrics so clearly that they give these songs a whole new meaning.

The list of songs includes tongue-twister “Yes We Can Can,” poignant tear-jerker “Forever Young,” “I Wanna Be Sedated,” The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” James Brown’s “I Feel Good,” Sonic Youth’s “Schizophrenia” and Coldplay’s “Fix You.”

There are even MTV-style music videos of “Staying Alive,” “Road to Nowhere” and “Golden Years.”

The movie is emotional and life-affirming. It would be my choice as the early front-runner for Oscar consideration, but it violates Academy Award rules since this unscripted non-fiction film was first shown on television in Great Britain.

Bring tissues, for there are many moments that tug at your heart.

A pleasurable experience featuring complex individuals and their fascinating stories that needs to be shared with an audience of fellow moviegoers.

Now playing at the Glenwood Arts, Tivoli and AMC Studio 30.

PRICELESS

3 and a half stars Rated PG-13

The French have a flair for romance and comedy.

Irene (Audrey Tautou from “Amelie” and “A Very Long Engagement”) is a beautiful temptress with expensive tastes. She is on the prowl for a rich, older man with an unlimited, gold-plated credit card.

Her ultimate goal is to be set up for life as a trophy wife. She is tired of bars, miniskirts and false smiles.

Jean (Gad Elmaleh from “The Valet”) is a shy, amiable hotel employee who walks dogs, tends bar and waits tables. In a late night meeting, Irene mistakenly assumes Jean is a millionaire playboy. They spend the night together in a penthouse suite. When Irene discovers his true identity, she abandons Jean.

The love-struck Jean pursues her to Nice and puts on a charade to impress her. He becomes a gigolo to a wealthy widow.

Tautou and Elmaleh make a dynamic screen couple with infectious camaraderie and charisma. You will be cheering for them to find a way to wind up in each other’s arms.

This little gem is funny, charming and delightful. The French scenery is magnificent. You can almost smell the aroma of the exquisite French food and wine.

The petite Tautou wears killer outfits that accentuate her lovely figure.

The witty dialogue is in French with English subtitles.  Now showing exclusively at the Rio.

REDBELT

3 stars Rated R

Writer-director David Mamet (“The Spanish Prisoner,” “The Winslow Boy” and “The Verdict”) is a scriptwriting genius. He is at the top of his game with this thinking-person’s “Rocky.”

Mike Terry (Chiwetel Ejiofor from “Kinky Boots” and “Dirty Pretty Things”) is a jiu-jitsu instructor who adapts the samurai’s code of honesty, honor and loyalty.

An accident at his self-defense studio on a dark, rainy night involving an off-duty police officer and a distraught female lawyer sets in a motion a series of events that thrust Mike into the professional mixed-martial arts fighting arena.

There are many cleverly conceived twists and turns in this suspenseful drama. The puzzle pieces of a central con game ultimately come together with a climactic revelation.

Ejiofor gives a masterful performance as a pawn in a money-making scheme. He expresses the moral conflict faced by his character through his facial expressions and body language.

The smart dialogue, an understated musical score and a strong supporting cast of Mamet regulars (David Paymer, Joe Mantegna, Rebecca Pidgeon and Ricky Jay) are additional strengths that make for an enjoyable viewing experience.