If you loved Abba, then you’ll adore Mamma Mia! If you’re saying “Who’s Abba?” it’s time to discover the musically multi-layered, lyrically enlightened talents of one of the ‘70s most revered – or reviled – pop groups, and this movie is just the vehicle for your voyage of discovery!
The movie version of the hit Broadway musical boasts an all-star cast, including the too-talented-to-be-totally-human Meryl Streep, and a trio of yummilicious guys - Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard. Streep portrays Donna Sheridan, an aging former flower child who runs a run-down hotel on a tiny Greek isle. Bubbly, buxom and seemingly carefree on the surface – Donna hides a sexy secret. Twenty years ago, after then-boyfriend Sam (Brosnan) broke her heart by returning to England to marry someone else, she slept with two other guys within days of his departure from their Greek hideaway. Donna doesn’t know who sired her daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfreid) – Sam, Bill (Skarsgard) or Harry (Firth).
What’s more, she’s never told Sophie anything about her dad. On the eve of her wedding, Sophie dreams of walking down the aisle on her father’s arm. When she discovers Donna’s diary from 20 years ago, she takes matters into her own hands and secretly invites her three potential fathers to attend her wedding. When all three show up, hilarity, some heartbreak and, of course, outrageously great music ensue.
Usually, if I love a song I really only love it from the original artist. I’m not a “cover” gal. But writer Catherine Johnson and director Phyllida Lloyd brilliantly work Abba’s greatest hits into the story. The performers – including a true “Greek chorus” - infuse each number with a rich breadth of emotion based on the context of the story.
All your favorite Abba hits are here – from “Does Your Mother Know (That You’re Out)” and “Dancing Queen” to “I Have a Dream” and “Money, Money, Money.” Standout moments include a funny and tender rendering of “Chiquitita” by Christine Baranski and Julie Waters, Streep’s deeply poignant delivery of “Slipping Through My Fingers” as she helps Sophie get dressed for her wedding and a high-energy performance of “Does Your Mother Know” by Baranski and ensemble.
The runaway moment of the movie, however, has to be when Streep belts out “The Winner Takes it All” in response to Sam’s overtures of reconciliation. She literally sent chills down my spine. Rumor has it that Streep recorded the number in Stockholm and nailed it in a single take.
Mamma Mia! is a feel-good movie that delivers big-time on fun, over-the-top great performances and music that will make you want to dance down the theater aisle. I’ll be buying the soundtrack for sure – even though Brosnan (for whom I have harbored a deep and abiding lust for 20 years) can’t sing his way out of a paper bag.
Totally Abba junkie alert: Keep your eyes peeled for cameos by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus – the writing half of the original Swedish quartet.
Highly recommended!
MMMM (out of 5 Ms)
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1 comment:
I was coerced into seeing Mamma Mia (the play), which ended up being great... as for the movie version, sounds fun, though it's awkward to think of ol' Pierce trying to sing, yeeesh
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