This film starts out well enough, and there is a definite curiosity as to how this supposed 'documentary' is going to approach its subject. But if the viewer is expecting a candid, objective outsider's glimpse into the workings of the Young Americans singing ensemble, thy are soon let down, as the classic documentary approach is quickly discarded.
After the first 30 minutes or so, one cannot dismiss the feeling that the participants are acting out scripted parts. And from there, the narrative morphs into a perky travelogue of posed situations, forced joviality, and cardboard dialogue. Instead of a documentary, it winds up having the look and feel of the type of movie a 60's Pop act would have put into theatres in order to milk their popularity. One might be remined of such vanity vehicles conceived for The Monkees or Herman's Hermits. The only thing missing is the animated Saturday morning Young Americans cartoon show.
Given the period in American history when the Young Americans- and similar groups like 'Up With People" and the Johnny Mann Singers - were pushing their wholesome ever-optimistic vision at a time of tremendous social and political upheaval, a true documentary would have tapped into the obvious contrast to some extent. The film perhaps works best as nostalgia, and no one can fault the material for having dated. But it ends up coming off as insincere and disappointing.
After the first 30 minutes or so, one cannot dismiss the feeling that the participants are acting out scripted parts. And from there, the narrative morphs into a perky travelogue of posed situations, forced joviality, and cardboard dialogue. Instead of a documentary, it winds up having the look and feel of the type of movie a 60's Pop act would have put into theatres in order to milk their popularity. One might be remined of such vanity vehicles conceived for The Monkees or Herman's Hermits. The only thing missing is the animated Saturday morning Young Americans cartoon show.
Given the period in American history when the Young Americans- and similar groups like 'Up With People" and the Johnny Mann Singers - were pushing their wholesome ever-optimistic vision at a time of tremendous social and political upheaval, a true documentary would have tapped into the obvious contrast to some extent. The film perhaps works best as nostalgia, and no one can fault the material for having dated. But it ends up coming off as insincere and disappointing.
