In the highly ritualized existence of the Greenwald household, everyone knows that Saturday night is pizza and movie night. For years, we have made pizza and watched movies on Saturday nights. It’s just what we do.
Sometimes we watch serious movies, sometimes animated movies, sometimes obscure movies, and sometimes classic movies. Come over some Saturday. You never know what you might find us watching.
A few week’s ago, we were picking a movie for our Saturday night watching, and I had considered something serious. But then I reflected on all that we had been through that long week. What we wanted, what we really needed was, well, ABBA!
My wife and daughter and I had watched Mama Mia! a few weeks earlier, somewhat hesitantly, and had so much fun that we had to share it with our Saturday night crew.
Yes, I know there are some offensive themes in the movie. Yes, I know that the decision made by the lead character in the last scene is foolish and contrary to everything we believe about the beauty and sanctity of marriage. I know those things. But I, we, are suckers for the music which the story was concocted to showcase. It was fun, and that was its primary justification.
Sometimes movies do not need to make us think. Sometimes we need not justify them on any other terms than the sheer enjoyment of them. And for this one, the enjoyment meter was ticking away near the top.
It was our great escape. And that was good.