Knowing me and knowing you there are more than a few closet ABBA fans who listen happily to their ipods, ready to make excuses as to how these songs got on there. Few could have turned Swedish folk music into iconic pop songs, but Benny and Bjorn did and we’ve been tapping toes and singing along since the early 70’s. Now there is a movie attempting to incorporate ABBAriginal songs into a traditional movie musical format. Mamma Mia has been a big hit on Broadway for years and the this movie adaptation only makes me want to see the Broadway show all the more. It’s not a bad movie, but it’s not very good either. The effort to film a greek island detracts from the story and the music. The shots are beautiful, but they tended to distract from the emotion and energy that the characters were projecting. This is a problem all film versions of stage shows can suffer. Live shows really are an interactive experience between the audience and performers. There is an exchange that can’t be duplicated on a big screen. Despite the awkwardness of the production, the film is fun and will draw you into it. Ok, Pierce Brosnan shouldn’t try to sing, but he is the quintessential romantic figure for many middle aged folks. You want him to get his girl. If you like the songs, you’ll like the movie. If you want to make points with your significant other, take him or her and you’ll have a good time and maybe a ‘get out of jail free’ card to use at a later date. As for me, I have a dream….to see the Broadway show at the Winter Garden Theatre before it closes.