Mamma Mia!

Oh ABBA!

Alright, so...if you're not familiar with the 70s Swedish band that is ABBA go now, download and listen to a few of their songs and run to Mamma Mia! The thing about this musical is that it isn't like many others in its genre that happen to be Dramas with singsong interludes-- and I love musicals--instead it is a make no apologies good time that hooks you in the first scene and has you singing well into the credits. The plot is simple enough, a girl wants her father to walk her down the aisle at her upcoming wedding but, doesn't know who he is, and when three possibilities are presented mayhem and merriment ensue along with the pre-wedding extravaganza. With a Greek island as the setting, an all smiles cast, a ballad singing Meryl Streep in tow and enough sequins to please Liberace--yes I said Liberace--there is no possible way to leave the theatre without a smile on your lips and a tune in your head.

This movie is a perfect "chick flick" outing for mothers and daughters. Meryl Streep is a loveable hippie who raises her daughter (Amanda Seyfried) as a single mother. When it comes time for her wedding, the daughter wishes her father would walk her down the aisle, and so begins the adventure of bringing all 3 of the possible fathers to the island for her wedding.

Absolutely breathtaking scenery, within the first 10 minutes of this film I was already contemplating my escape to the Greek Isles. With music from ABBA, it is near impossible not to sing and dance along throughout the movie. Cute eye-candy with Colin Firth and Pierce Brosnan starring as two of the three would-be fathers. The only awkward moments are when Pierce Brosnan begins to sing; his voice is a bit strained.

Although the plot is simple, this is a great movie for someone who rarely goes to the movies: it has all the great characteristics of a musical without paying astronomical theater prices.

Mr. Brosnan, I'm quite embarassed for you.

Meryl Streep was good as always,
but it was her sidekicks that had me amazed.
They stole the show, most easily,
with their crazy antics and comedy.
And the cinematography wasn't bad either.