PG-13:for some sex-related comments
108 Minutes
Directed By: Phyllida Lloyd
Written By: Catharine Johnson
Staring: Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, and Julie Walters
Typical isn’t it? You wait 20 years for a dad and then three come along at once. -Rosie
Review
Does Stellan Skarsgard really have to wear his scarf in every movie he’s in? His theatrical nature and desire for over the top things fit right in with the theme of Mamma Mia. From the moment this film starts and the familiar score begins and the screen becomes flooded with the vibrant colors of the Mediterranean it’s clear there is no avoiding the dramaturgic exuberance of musicals. Mamma Mia might not be everyones cup of tea, at first it’s a lot to take in, but somehow it grows on you.
It’s amazing how young and fresh Meryl looks and feels. Besides the fact that I’m convinced she’s a vampire anyway, she looks insanely spirited and vigorous Musicals are a little corny and at first Mamma Mia is overwhelming, feeling a little too like theatre, giving the love of ABBA, but also making you feel like you’d rather be listening to ABBA. It might annoy for a bit and at moments, but if you can stick with it, it manages to compensate with it’s manic charm.
Manic is the right word to describe this film. Meryl’s performance in particular is manic and crazy, though her singing was pretty good. In fact all the actors sang relatively well, save Pierce Brosnan . As a huge fan of his it was difficult to watch some of his more painful moments of singing. Even with his awkward singing his performance his character was still compelling, making thetrifecta father issue a little more believable. Amanda Seyfried was absolutely Divine. Beautiful and infectious, she steals the show in each scene she is in, and her voice was simply magnificent.
Three Men and a Little Lady?
The music does tend to consume the story and at times it just seems an excuse to promote the band ABBA, but there is such a genuine affection and love for the music, for the time, and for musicals it is hard pressed to not get caught up in the enthusiasm it boasts. The comedy and tongue in cheek humor throughout makes it far more than an overwhelming cheesy recordings of ABBA. The topic matter may seem a bit adult tuned, but the rest of the movie is so silly it is a reasonably enjoyable movie for the whole family.
The three “Dads” turn out to be the best part of the story, but mostly because of the actors playing them. They are thoroughly enjoyable to take in and make every scene they are in just a little more tangible for those that probably have a hard time stomaching musicals. There is a level of creativity that plays into this movie that can’t be denied. With abrilliant soundtrack and solid acting, it’s difficult not to just resolve yourself and laugh. How can you not laugh at a group of men that emerge from the ocean singing and dancing in Flippers. There’s no point in taking it seriously, but definitely enjoyable.
Pierce Brosnan should not sing. EVER!!
I agree George….I love PIerce Brosnan….when he’s singing…..not so much
He’s great, but the gargled singing was definitely a low point for me, especially when it seemed the rest of the cast had such an in depth range in their singing vocabulary.
Overall I liked it, but it was just okay. I still don’t understand the massive affection for it.
I didnt see this movie, but my mother saw this in theaters and said it was one of the best movies shes ever seen. So maybe this movie just has an old lady demographic hence only 2 stars from you lol. Maybe in 40 years you’ll give it a higher score?
I won’t lie, I watching this movie half drunk at like 1am on a Saturday night and loved it. Just total fluff bubblegum pop, and sometimes nothing wrong with that.
This is a cult type movie, something that people will go way over the top in hyping. Agree with your rating.
Woot. Hopefully I’ll be alive in 40 years to make that distinction Cello! Hahahahaha.
Thanks Philly, for what it was, it as enjoyable, just nothing overtly wondrous in my thoughts, and I enjoy a good musical.
So? Thoughts on Amanda Seyfried?
I love Amanda Seyfried. She’s beautiful, talented, and a great addition to womens youth in acting. I can get behind her any day.
This movie howerver………..not so much…………
Just too over the top for me, with musicals I need soemthing a little more gritty like Chicago.
I agree with both of your conjectures, mcarter and moviejunkie. I think Amanda has a very bright future ahead of her. She is extremely talented and enigmatic. Her performance here only made me want to see more of her, and on top of that talent she is absolutely beautiful!
I loved this movie and cannot understand how anyone couldn’t get whisked away by the magic of it. The music was captivating and the acting was top notch. Meryl Streep is my hero and Amanda Seyfried was a gem. I just think that people have forgotten about the musical period.
we are proud to present the musical in germany next year again in munich!