Totally enjoyable - thank you for the music!!

Rating: 10/10 (18 July 2008)

If you are fan of ABBA you have to go see this movie. I happen to be a fan of ABBA and of Ms. Streep, so I couldn't miss this one.
What's to like? In short, this is one of the best feel good movies of all time.
* It has a good story line, and the ABBA songs were beautiful woven into it. And there are so many jewels of songs, most of which fit perfectly into the plot line.
* You definitely want to stay for the credits for the bonus performance. Surprise bonus performances and oh so joyful.
* Audience involvement - I went on opening night (July 18, 2008) and have not seen the room so full in a very long time. And the audience laughed, clapped, and perhaps (just likely me) silently wept a tear or two.
* The wonderful ways the movie makes you laugh and cry - Ms. Streep makes the most out of the character ("Donna") she played. And I love the scene where the women in the village dropped their chores and joined the "Dancing Queen." You suddenly feel like you are witnessing the joy of youthfulness, no matter how old you are. And of course the loving looks in Ms. Streep's eyes when she helps her daughter prepare for the wedding - how did those years go by? In fact, this was the overwhelming emotion I felt throughout the movie. That youth is so beautiful, and that one is never too old to feel or relive the joys of youth.
The last song included was "Thank You For The Music." (If you did not hear this one, you left too early!!) And I stayed until the very end, feeling exactly the way the lyrics say. "What would life be - without a song or a dance what are we?" And you know what? After the movie, I went home and dug out the "ABBA Gold" and "More ABBA Gold" CDs. They have been sitting idle for years and years. They've never sounded better than tonight.
Warmly recommended - go with your family, your best friends, or by yourself. Feel the warmth in your heart and the beat of the Dancing Queen of seventeen.