Mamma Mia!
I've already mentioned that I felt this was one of my most-anticipated films of the summer. And I certainly wasn't disappointed. But like another great movie recently, I think a little viewing guide would be helpful:
1. Remember that the plot is thin.
Really thin. Like 1-ply toilet paper thin. As long as you don't go into it expecting deep existential messages, you're good to go.
2. It's silly and wild, which is part of the fun.
Just sit back and enjoy the ride. Laugh! Sing! (OK, maybe not sing. Perhaps humming is more appropriate until you buy the DVD for home viewing.)
3. Girl power!
The strength of the movie comes from the fun and crazy antics of the female characters, and the delightful actresses playing them. Meryl Streep shines as the lead, proving that not only can she master accents, but she can sing, too! She's very believable as a mother feeling pulled between parental responsibility and her youthful freedom. She's joined by her wild & crazy pals, played to the hilt by Christine Baranski and Julie Walters. Also delightful is the daughter, played by Amanda Seyfried who shines when she smiles and can cry on cue. Coupled with a strong voice, she's a winner.
4. Colin Firth. Shirtless. Singing sweetly. With a secret.
'nuff said. *drool*
5. Turn on your Pierce Brosnan filter.
You'll figure this out real fast - Brosnan can't sing. Like, at all. He's AWFUL. So the grand debate is, can you cover that up if you're suave and sexy at a certain age? I say no - the film features him too prominently when he does decide to torture us with those vocal cords. His singing mars an otherwise wonderful film.
6. Stay for the credits!
You won't be disappointed. Trust me.
So that's it folks, a definite A- for the film. I'd give it a full A score, but...shut up, Pierce, seriously.
Now if you'll pardon me, I need to go see the movie again, so I'm off to strap on my platform boots and sequins while I belt out "Super Trouper!"
3 comments:
Best wedding movie ever! First wedding movie in years that made me cry...yes...I cried at the Abba movie musical! And I loved it...every minute...except for the two or three minutes of Pierce while in close=up during his solo. That was uncomfortable. Other than that, I can't pick a favorite scene...Dancin Queen maybe? Which is good...I've grown tired of the song over the past few years. They did good and had a Great time!The Winner Takes It All...Go Meryl!
LOVED IT - Ms. Streep, the dreamy Greece background and it just looked like... well, like they are having a hell of a lot of fun! You know I'm biased but I loved it anyway. Just got back from seeing the MAMMA MIA! tour in Philadelphia and even on a Tuesday night the house was full and everyone in the audience was dancing at the end - so my vote is to let your inner Abba freak fly and enjoy!
Ok J and I are curmudgeons because we hated it with a fiery passion. I just felt hte direction blew huge chunks. The only time I just let go was when all the women of the village gathered at the dock for Dancing Queen. Other other times felt either too naturalistic and not campy enough or too campy and unrealistic. It was weird in the "Gimme Gimme Gimme" section to have Stellan Sarsgaaaaard and Colin Firth to be tied up and groped by their potential daughter's friends. And the Peirce Brosnan!
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