Good for what it's worth

Rating: Null/10 (7 July 2012)

I used to love ABBA when I was just a boy. Their music was extremely cheerful, easy to listen, catchy and it just made you want to dance. So, while musicals aren't exactly my personal cup of tea, I went into this film with a smile on my face. And, I can't say that it disappointed. I wouldn't exactly call this a good film, as the execution is rather corny, the story is predictable and some of the characters consist of a singular stereotype. But, the thing is that the movie doesn't need to be anything more than a well-good film. It is its purpose and it succeeds spectacularly. The songs all work, and I was actually kind of amazed how they managed to fit all of them in and tell a coherent story at the same time, but then, I believe that we can thank the original stage musical for that. Very nicely done in any case. Furthermore, most the actors are very talented with special mention going to the mom-daughter duo that is Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried. Many of the best scenes in this film revolve around the relationship between these two.
The movie isn't without its faults, though. The story, as mentioned, is nice enough on its own, but it's also very predictable and, dare I say, mushy. This film's reputation as one THE chick flicks is well-earned, which isn't a bad thing in itself, but the dudes and ladettes should be forewarned. The movie's biggest concern, though, are some of the characters and the actors playing them. Like the two old friends of Meryl Streep's character, whose main characteristic seems to be that they like to party. Sure they are there for Streep, but I still got the impression that it was more because they wanted to start drinking already. The love interest of Amanda Seyfried didn't leave much of an impression either.
Still, I must admit that I liked this film in sort of a guilty pleasure kind of way, which is the way that most people like this film, I suppose. And really, the point of this film is ABBA's music and that is brought forward and played out beautifully. The songs are classics, they are catchy, they are performed well and they create their own unique mood to this film. Sure some of the actors leave something to hope for as singers, but the passion and the enjoyment is still there. Pop the DVD in, take your special someone to your arms and just relax. It's cool.