ABBA: The Movie

DJ Ashley Wallace is ordered to get an interview with ABBA as they tour Australia. The DJ story has no comedy. At least, it has no comedy that works. Most of his footage can be cut out. I'd rather have more behind the scenes stuff with the band. This is nothing more than superficial surface material. There are the songs and the concerts. A straight up concert movie would be better. It's the height of their popularity. Other than a perfunctory exposition from the DJ, the audience does not get much in terms of their personal lives. They seem like a corny bunch but there isn't anything beyond the happy facade. It's strictly family friendly and kiddie fans prove it. I get more of a glimpse into their lives with Anni-Frid Lyngstad exercising with her trainer than anything. There is no drama of pulling off a tour. There is no tension of negotiating with a vendor. There is nothing compelling for non-fans. It's still interesting as a pop culture time capsule.