Young@Heart boasts an idea that's impossible to resist. This documentary almost dares you to come up with a single bad word to say about it. Thankfully, it doesn't rub its mountains of sentimentality in our faces. Though a bit rocky at times, the picture's aims are as modest as can be, merely inviting viewers to look into the lives of a group of folks who've chosen a rather offbeat way to spend their golden years.

Talking Heads. Coldplay. James Brown. These are just some of the musicians covered by the Young at Heart Chorus, a troupe of singers whose last tour earned rave reviews and took Europe by storm. Oh, and did I mention that none of them are younger than their 70s? From the moment 92-year-old Eileen Hall opens the film with her rendition of The Clash's "Should I Stay or Should I Go," you'll know these seniors aren't about to allow their lives to become one trip to the bingo parlor after another. 

Under the guidance of choir director Bob Cilman, the men and women of Young at Heart prepare for their next performance, scheduled to take place a couple of weeks after Easter in 2006. Trouble strikes right off the bat, as the singers become stumped by some of the new songs Cilman has brought to the table (including Sonic Youth's "Schizophrenia"). But while the tunes may be tough to learn and some members of the chorus sadly pass on, the Young at Heart members remain determined that the show will go on and be a  concert their audience will never forget.

It's obvious a certain amount of leeway must be used in viewing Young@Heart. In terms of concert documentaries, you obviously can't hold Young at Heart to the same standards as Neil Young or the Rolling Stones in their respective pictures. This film's elderly entertainers aren't professionals, nor do they claim to be, so a handful of creaky voices are easily forgiven. What Young@Heart lacks in hyperactive beats and performers bounding across the stage, it makes up for in sheer, unadulterated moxie. It's really something to see the singers so dedicated to the show, sometimes with their health or ability to remember the songs in question. But what I admired most about the film is that director Stephen Walker wisely never exploits his subjects. Rather than slam viewers with a hamfisted message about the human spirit, Walker mostly lets the Young at Heart crew speak (and sing) for themselves. You become involved with them on your own terms rather than being forced to like them, which is still impossible not to do by the time these guys take the stage.

Still, some parts of Young@Heart have been tweaked ever so slightly in order to earn the audience's sympathy. You know about the whole idea of documentary filmmakers remaining objective toward their subjects? Well, Walker hasn't heard of that. Narrating Young at Heart's journey from the rehearsals to the big show, Walker shows a great amount of affection for the bunch, which leaves us with a teensy nagging feeling that he's nudging us in a certain emotional direction. I have to respect the man for never going overboard here, though the film's pacing could have used a little pep in its step. Other than that, however, Walker's final product comes across as pretty sterling stuff, easily highlighted by the music, ranging from amusing little videos (the "Stayin' Alive" one killed me) and a powerful performance or two at the climactic concert.

Oftentimes you'll see Hollywood try to sell a slate of colorful characters who some audiences just aren't buying. Fortunately, Young@Heart is the real deal, a picture that puts a smile on your face and generates a warm, fuzzy feeling with almost effortless ease.

MY RATING: *** (out of ****)

(Released by 20th Century Fox and rated "PG-13" for some mild language and thematic elements.)