Yes this is a review on the theatrical re-release of the 1977 'epic' movie that is ABBA: The Movie, and not Mamma Mia! (which is also awesome, and well worth seeing). Re-released with the success of Mamma Mia and the new upsurge of ABBA-mania that has followed including ABBA Gold returning to number one in the charts for the fifth time since it's release 15 years ago in 1992.
The movie has avery lose plot which is centred around a radio DJ; Ashlee Wallace who is sent out to get an indept interview, almost dialouge for there ABBA special planned to air the day they leave Australia on their 1977 tour. The story is intertwined with lots of live footage from the ABBA concerts from many venues around Australia.
But things aren't too good for Ashlee as he sets of without his press-pass and finds it hard to access the band and is constantly missing them at the press talks and his constant run in with ABBA's bodyguard. The movie does offer some hilarous moments including the dream sequence of 'The Name Of The Game' and the weird editing during 'I'm A Marionette'. There are also plenty of laughs at their mad Swedish accents, crazy dance routines, Agnetha's constant ass shaking and Benny's mentally overboard keyboard playing.
As a big ABBA fan myself, this was a great to witness and to see how the band performed live was an awesome sight. Getting the chance to witness soem of their songs that were never released such as 'Get On Your Carousel' was epic for myself. Getting the chance to witness how big the band were back in their hayday was something spectacular to see with fans rushing into stadiums hours beforehand and flooding the streets outside their hotels just to try and get a glimpse at their Swedish idols and the merchandise for them... jaysus!
All in all, this is not a movie to go to see for a plot, since it really lacks one, but is more to witness the concert and see the band live and watch the documentary of their tour of Australia and is a must see for all ABBA fans.
3 comments:
What an astute young man you are! I saw the group live in Glasgow twice in the late 1970's and watched ABBA The Movie at the cinema again for the first time in 30 years yesterday 13 August 2008.
Your commentry and observations are as accurate as any critic. All said with innocence and observant eyes. Just a little quirp Benny played on the keyboards!
ABBA were and always will be the greatest " Pop " group ever!!
Thanks for that comment, I noticed the little mistake with Benny/Bjorn mix up after re reading it! Always mixing them up.
I've been brought up on ABBA's music from a young age and to see live footage of them performing on the big screen was something of a spectacal and amazing. I couldn't have let the oppertunity pass and as you said thet will always be the greatesr pop group ever and there music will never be forgotten.
If you require any more information on anything ABBA don't hesitate to contact me. I have been collecting since 1974 and have acquired all sorts of memorabilia ( junk to most ! )It was so refreshing to read your comments it re kindled my own memories and feelings of watching them live and then with ABBA The Movie. So many thanks!
Stephen
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