Mamma Mia! (2008 movie) Review

You don't have to be a woman to love "Mama Mia," the recently released movie.  If you are a "Boomer;" have a  child (particularly a daughter, but not essential); like Meryl Streep and Christine Baranski; saw "Mean Girls," AND/OR find Pierce Brosnon "eye candy," (regardless of his awful singing voice), this is the movie for you! And no, my husband didn't come out of this movie raving about how wonderful it is, but he did go day 1; saw 10 other guys in the theater, and was tapping out the beat of "Dancing Queen" with his toe as he sat watching.

I loved this movie, (56 year old lady), and my daughter (22) loved it even more than I did.  I went to it expecting nothing, and honestly, there isn't much of a historically anchored or even plausible plot; and there is no reason for everyone to break out in song every few minutes, but that just didn't matter.  What I saw was terrific energy on every cast member's part no matter the role, and actors who became the characters they were protraying with such commitment, I was convinced they were having the time of their lives. I heard old ABBA songs that I didn't even know I knew, but felt oddly familiar and comfortable, while the scenery and fabulous choreography pulled me into that Greek Island. The songs are "big," the dancing "crisp," and I found myself laughing out loud more than a few times.

Happily, I was shocked to realize that Meryl Streep can belt out a tune like a genuine pro, and was delighted as she bounced on beds and ran up stairs like she is twenty.  Amanda Seyfried was perfect for her part: pretty; blond; sweet; innocent; perky, and also can sing. Pierce Brosnon...well, he does take off his shirt ladies...enough said! Christine Baraski (from "Cybil, The Birdcage, and Chicago) sings and dances without missing a beat or step, and Julie Walters too can sing.  As  Meryl's Streep's best friends, these two ladies are downright funny.  The bond between all the women, their friendship, joys and pain, is strong and deep, reminding me of the girls in "Sex in the City, though everyone of these ladies is older and thankfully, wiser.  The song "Slipping Trough My Fingers," sung by Streep as she helps her daughter prepare to wed, is so touching and perfectly worded that I couldn't wait to get home and call my daughter to get her to see the movie.  (She said she cried at that part too!)

As I left this movie, I felt uplifted, happy, and nostalgic. I was especially pleased to see "older women and men" as the stars; characters not cast for their voices, or their looks (well...maybe Pierce), but as successful actors who made a rather contrived story a pleasure to see. Note, I still catch myself humming "Dancing Queen," two weeks after I saw that movie.  I need the CD!