The “story line” of
After sneaking a peek at her mother’s youthful diary, a young girl secretly invites all three of her “possible fathers” to her wedding on a Mediterranean island. Though none of the men have seen the girl’s mother in twenty years (and none know why they were invited) all three drop their busy lives and show up. Mayhem results.
Now, if you got a wedding invitation out of the blue for a child of an old acquaintance, wouldn’t that seem like a great time to send a Hallmark card and a gift certificate? But, producers couldn’t make a stage production (and subsequent movie) out of that.
Y’all, I will confess that I am leery of musical productions that are made into movies. Musicals are not my favorite genre on the big screen, because they never seem to translate well. Breaking into song to advance a story line just seems contrived on the big screen; it’s silly enough on stage.
Furthermore, the music of ABBA is not anything I would listen to on a daily basis (if I had any of their music, and I do not). My fascination with sappy “pop rock” lasted all of about fifteen minutes many years ago.
However, we had seen the production of Mama Mia! on stage at the Dallas Music Hall. I was impressed by that production, so I figured I might enjoy the movie. Especially because it has Meryl Streep in it. She is the most amazing actress of our time. I was sure hoping that she could sing better than Johnny Depp! I’m mortified for dramatic actors who try to sing…and fail.
Imagine my dismay as we sat in the darkened theater. Suddenly, I realized that I was dancing in my seat, singing along with the songs, and clapping my hands to the beat! How un-cool could I be? I nearly slunk under my seat. Then, I glanced around and saw that 90% of the people in the audience were doing the same thing. In fact, after some of the musical numbers, the audience broke into spontaneous applause (as if the actors could hear their appreciation). Riciculous!
I couldn’t help myself. I clapped, too.
I was delighted that all of the actors were pretty darned decent as singers. Even Pierce Brosnan was good, though I had to get over the shock of seeing “James Bond” burst into song. When Meryl Streep sang “The Winner Takes It All,” I had to dig a Kleenex out of my purse.
If the actors in Mama Mia! weren’t having a good time, they are better actors than I give them credit for being. Their obvious enjoyment drew me into that movie completely. I thoroughly enjoyed myself despite my best intentions. Yes, it was silly, and sappy, and delightful.
When I got home, I was quite surprised to Google movie reviews and discover that serious reviewers had issues with the cinematography and the choreography. I’m glad I didn’t read reviews before going to the theater, because I might have talked myself out of it. These days, with the price of tickets and a cola, I usually wait for movies to come out on dvd. This one is worth seeing on the large screen, so take a chance on it.
Have any of y’all seen the movie? If so, add your two cents in the comments.
Meanwhile, I’m gonna go dig out an album by Queen, and try to get these silly pop songs out of my head!
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I loved this movie!! I thought it was so fun and entertaining and I also thought the actors were having fun. I got tears in my eyes twice even! Once when she asked her mother to help her get ready and also when her mom sang about how fast she grew up etc…
It was so cute. I would see it again. I will for sure buy the dvd when it comes out. Sing away…I sang all day after seeing it too…lol
cindees last blog post..Sunday Buzz
I got tears in my eyes more often than that! Made me wish I had a daughter. But, I’ve GOTTA stop singing, “Waterloo!”
I’d never heard anything about Mama Mia! so it was all new to me. I love, love, LOVED it!!! It was so much fun
I listened to the soundtrack almost non-stop all weekend, and I’m looking for people to go back to the theater with!! As soon as this movie is out, it WILL be in my collection 
Oh, and I was clapping and dancing in my seat, and now that I know the songs, I will DEFINITELY sing the next time I go!!
If you sing, you won’t be alone! I was singing, and didn’t care if I was off key! I want the soundtrack, too!
I haven’t seen it yet, but I want too. It looks like it’s so much fun! I never listen to the “professional” critics…they never get it yet if you ask me. I usually love the movies they hate. LOL
YellowRoses last blog post..Monday Musings
I grew up on Abba so of course I’ve seen the musical and loved it. Have yet to see the movie, I’ll wait for the DVD.
Have a great Monday!
I am an avid Abba fan, have all the records somewhere but missed Mama Mia when it played here in Toronto. The critics have been brutal with the movie but I’m going to see it this week…ciao
rosittas last blog post..Just For A Change Of Pace
I had seen the show in Boston three years ago and loved it then. One of my girlfriends called me up for a girl’s night out knowing that no one in my house would go with me. I did enjoy it very much, however, we enjoyed the one older guy out with his wife watching the movie. We figured she owed him big time for that!
But yes, I agree, it looked like everyone was having a great time in the movie. Loved it also.
Jens last blog post..Staycation versus Vacation
I saw “Mama Mia” on Sunday and went right out and bought the soundtrack and when the movie comes out on DVD I will buy it too. I have never bought a DVD, I have lots of them but they are all gifts none of them paid for by me. After seeing the movie I went to the computer and researched the island in Greece where it was filmed and made plans to go there next year. I loved all of it, the actors, the music, the dancing and the story line. hg
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