How Can I Resist You?

Rating: 6/10 (21 January 2018)

It's really weird how the inner-workings of my brain function. Sometimes I'll be completely turned off by cheesy musicals (or cheesy films in general). Other times, I get a real joy out of watching something cheesy with earnest and intended heartfelt emotion. It's a case by case basis and depends on my mood I guess. 'Mamma Mia!' falls somewhere in between. The musical based off the broadway play, which is in turn based off music from ABBA, is outrageously silly and really lacks coherence in most parts. But it also contains endlessly catchy ABBA music and some performances that you absolutely cannot miss. And not necessarily great performances, more like actors you can't miss doing stupid-cheesy-musical stuff.
The last paragraph is hardly written well, and that tends to fit the tone of the film. Sporadic, unexplainably and questionably sensual, colorful, with some (perhaps unintentionally) laugh out loud moments. It's not like this movie acts like it's an awards contender, although Streep was inexplicably nominated for a Globe that year (not like the Globes are the end-all be-all of award shows anyway). However, the cast is an impressive ensemble. Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Julie Walters, Stellan Skarsgard, and Christine Baranski among others.
There are some undeniably cringe worthy moments, most of which include actors or actresses who aren't musically inclined and attempt to perform a musical number. I hate to say it, but it reminded me of some cringey Disney Channel Original Movies. Which is why this movie can be a pain to watch but possibly a joy to re-watch. However, it can't be overstated how much of a soft-spot I have for ABBA's music, especially with this cheese-ball acting behind it. For that alone, I'm looking forward to the second film this summer.
6.0/10