Feel Good Factor of 10

Rating: 10/10 (9 August 2008)

As an Avid suspense thriller fan, it was the dutiful husband who was dragged along to see a Musical with ABBA songs which had sent my preconceived opinions and ideas into overdrive. 1 tub of Popcorn, 1 ½ hours later and some of the worst singing you'll hear in a musical and I was totally hooked.
The plot is simple, yet not wholly predictable. The interpretation of the ABBA sounds to a particular scene or Scenario was brilliant and at times very sensitive. I'm not sure it was intentional, but Pierce Brosnan's slightly off Key singing (I'm Kind) gave the film an authenticity that Hollywood does not usually allow. It made you picture yourself at your daughters wedding, you Know your singing voice is awful  yet you go for it because the occasion led you there. I'm sure they could have dubbed or enhanced the singing, but that would have put a gloss on the film which would have been to its detriment.
The Greek Locations and the rustic setting just made you want to be there. The production showed Phyllida Lloyd's experience within the Theatre, and I was also impressed with the lighting Technicians, as they carefully balanced the fill in light to counter the strong Mediterranean Shadows.
On the Whole, The acting, the lack of big names in the younger set, the dancing & singing scenes, not unlike Grease, were totally uplifting, and you walked out of the Cinema singing ABBA songs.
It's a long time since I've experienced the Audience (including me) clapping at the end of a Film  that says it all  If you want a feel good factor film, this is for you.
Vaughan from Leeds