It's not the play; get over it and you'll enjoy it.

Rating: 7/10 (18 July 2008)

To enjoy this film, it helps to leave some expectations at the door. One is that "ABBA sound." This isn't it. That sound was created in a studio with a mixing board, etc. Some of that sound was in the stage play and it worked there because the majority of the audience is far enough from the stage to really think that gorgeous sound is coming from just the cast on stage. But when the camera is right in the actor's face, and that face is several stories high, the music must come from the singer.
In that regard, the movie is very good because of that authenticity. Put it this way, you and I would never have a chance to be part of the ABBA sound. But we do have a chance, if we leave our inhibitions behind, to live life to the fullest and just break into song from time to time. The movie works very well at that because of the high level of skill from the actors, the sets and setting and the bright light of the cinematography. (Was Thomas Kinkade ass't DP on this?!) Also suspend your beliefs on monogamous marriage. It's just a movie, church folk...and otherwise it's a feast for the senses. Yes, a little too much estrogen, but mid-life women need their moments. Think of it as Under The Grecian Sun (including the bed jumping scene). Guys, you might want to just download some iTunes of ABBA's hits if you can't be man enough to go with your wife to see this.
And that giant sucking sound you hear is the escalating costs of destination weddings! Who will settle for the little church on the corner (or worse, the Justice of the Peace), after seeing the beauty of the Creation on this location.
Thank you Benny, Bjorn, Frida and Agnetha for bringing this music to my generation. And thanks to the movie production for letting the current generation eat from film version of a smörgåsbord.