The delirious sight of Meryl Streep leading a river of multigenerational women singing "Dancing Queen" is one of the high points of Mamma Mia!, the musical built around the songs of the hugely popular pop group ABBA. The p... more »lot sets in motion when Sophie (Amanda Seyfried, Mean Girls), daughter of Donna (Streep), sends a letter to three men, inviting them to her wedding--because after reading her mother's diary, she suspects that one of them is her father. When all three arrive at the Greek island where Donna runs a hotel, Donna flips out and finds that passions she thought she'd laid aside are coming back to life. But let's face it, the plot is not the point--it's a ridiculous contrivance that provides an excuse for the characters to sing the massive hits of ABBA. Regrettably, first-time film director Phyllida Lloyd (who directed the original stage production) has drawn over-the-top performances from everyone involved, even Streep; every production number hammers its exuberance into your eyeballs. Which is too bad, because Mamma Mia! is a rarity: A middle-aged love story. The kids start things off, but the story is really about Streep and the three guys (former James Bond Pierce Brosnan, former Mr. Darcy Colin Firth, and Swedish star Stellan Skarsgard), as well as Donna's best friends (Christine Baranski, best known from the TV show Cybill, and Julie Walters, Calendar Girls). It's a romantic comedy aimed at the people who were around when all these songs were new, and that's an age group Hollywood largely ignores. For that alone, Mamma Mia! deserves to find an audience. --Bret Fetzer
Stills from Mamma Mia! (Click for larger image)« less
Many absolutely love this musical verses those that hate it due to a weak storyline and poor acting with horrible butchered singing attempts of classic Abba hits.
LeeAnn S. from GLENDALE, AZ Reviewed on 7/29/2012...
This is my current escape video. When I need to relax and escape the world I pop in Mamma Mia and float into the music.
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Coleen W. from ALPHARETTA, GA Reviewed on 1/19/2011...
It's a silly, but heartwarming story with beautiful scenery. I've seen it several times, and it never fails to put a smile on my face and make we want to dance.
Tricia S. from WOOSTER, OH Reviewed on 1/12/2011...
Love, love, love!
Phyllis P. from HEMPSTEAD, TX Reviewed on 12/11/2009...
They could have gotten a few better singers, but the movie is great fun...a few Greeky
stuff thrown in make it better. I give it a 4 star..I saw it in London and Las Vegas on stage and the London show beats them all....
Lori D. (LoriD) from HOOVER, AL Reviewed on 9/15/2009...
This movie was painful to watch..
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Pamela P. (RacerGrl99) from STUART, FL Reviewed on 3/24/2009...
I absolutely loved this movie. If you are over the age of 50, it will make you feel young and alive again. The movie moves along and is over before you know it. Be sure and watch the movie all the way through the credits!
1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
Great MOVIE
Richard Finnell | MC DONALD, PA, US | 09/06/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Arrived in excellent conition. DVD was sealed as described.