B105

Movie Review: Mama Mia Stav 7 July, 2008 - 8:58 AM

Staring: Colin firth, Meryl Steep, Peirce Brosnan

First things first, no matter what this review says, this movie will make a squillion dollars. With an in built fan base of both the original stage musical and the music of ABBA it's a guarantee millions of peeps will see this movie. But will they like it?

Apparently yes. This is the first movie musical I have seen where people have applauded at the end of the songs. People seemed to be waiting for the next number in anticipation waiting to see whether or not the cast could pull it off. And they certainly do. You have never seen Meryl Streep like this before and she seems to be having the time of her life  running around a Greek island like Maria in the sound of music.
The big surprise however is bond himself, Peirce Brosnon. His voice is surprisingly good , and there is nothing sexier than a man who can sing well (um, so women tell me…..).

The story (plot may be to strong a word) sees young bride to be Sophie sending invitations to her nuptials to the three men who all could be her father. They don't know why they are there, Sophie's mother (Meryl Streep) doesn't know they are coming and know one knows who the father is. Chaos ensues.

I don't mind musicals, last years Hairspray was particularly good, but I cant say I enjoyed Mamma Mia. The whole thing felt a little too much like a stage musical, with everyone overacting and lights and back up dancers appearing when required and then disappearing for the talky bits. I am also not a fan of Abba and may miss some of the humour of seeing their songs being used to tell a story. The Greek  Island setting is a star in the film itself though (book your holiday now….) and everyone in the cast seem to be having the time of their lives.
The audience in my screening loved Mamma Mia from the moment it started however so if you know this is the stuff you like, go see it. Husbands, Hancock is on in cinema three……..

Quotable Notables:

Whatever your favourite ABBA song is….

Stav's Rating:

2 1/2 Wookies out of 5 (add two wookies if you like either the Broadway musical and ABBA)

(13) »

• Simone says

  I can't believe you said that Stav! This movie was amazing - I sung the whole way through.

  Posted Monday 7 July, 2008 9:09 AM
• Andrea says

  At least the dads were hot.

  Posted Monday 7 July, 2008 9:10 AM
• Anita says

  Me and my boyfriend went to see 'Get Smart' (awesome movie by the way), and the 'mamma mia' preview came on. he was cringing all the way through the short clip.

  Posted Tuesday 8 July, 2008 8:55 AM
• sussan says

  ho - hum another boring glitzy bigger than big waste of timefrom hollywood

  Posted Thursday 10 July, 2008 10:29 AM
• geen says

  It was a bit corny in parts but it was always a lot of fun - I really enjoyed it and thought what a nice, uplifting movie with great music, some parts even made me cry. Colin Firth is so cute.

  Posted Friday 11 July, 2008 10:57 AM
• nic says

  The film was an uplifting happy musical that would make even the hardest critic amazed - that this 'joy can permeate throughout the audience and have a huge happiness effect on everybody.
  ABBA have sustained and are the second biggest pop band in history because they are genius with harmony and melody
  From U2 to Madonna the world is better for having the Swedish 'Beatles' and many people have enjoyed the music and will enjoy the music. Meryl Streep exceled in this performance as do the rest of the cast.

  -

  Posted Sunday 13 July, 2008 12:15 AM
• Emily says

  Hey guys
  I just saw it wow!!! I liked it my rating i 50 out of 20 it as so good.i want to go and see it again if mum would come though.

  Posted Monday 14 July, 2008 9:05 AM
• mama mia fan says

  if anyone has seen the musical the movie falls short in many ways. It was overacted and seemed forced in many scenes. Just my opinion, but i think the film was a let down.

  Posted Tuesday 15 July, 2008 3:17 AM
• Kellie says

  I reckon that Mammia Mia was brilliant! Serious actors not being serious for once and the undeniable upbeat ABBA soundtrack...what more can u ask for! A winning combination for sure!!

  Posted Tuesday 15 July, 2008 6:51 AM
• Kaela says

  I was torn...it was a tad overacted, but Meryl's energy was amazing and I do love ABBA songs so that was enough to keep me entertained throughout. Plot was based around the songs as usual, but not as bad as some musicals :D There are some extremely funny bits ("Take a Chance on Me" and "Does your mother know") and the fact that the oldies completely ham it up with no holds barred makes it heartwarming, rather than awkward :)

  I'd say 3.5 out of 5. One of those "see it for $5 at Southbank" movies :) Entertaining enough, especally if you like ABBA

  Posted Tuesday 15 July, 2008 7:12 PM

• First
• Prev
• 1
• 2
• Next
• Last

• Name:
• Email Address:
• URL (optional):
• Remember Me? Yes No
• Your comments:
•  
• Security Code:
•   Submit your comment