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.
Gabriele C. from LAKE WALES, FL Reviewed on 10/10/2013...
i watched this movie a few times [ rented and theater ] .. but do not own it . i keep thinking i should get it , as i like abba . well .. i think the movie is ok, but the plot is "trying too hard " to be funny . yes the songs are the highlights , but the rest is just too much ... too much trying , too many different ways where people go overboard with another twist at trying to be funny . the storyline is just a bit too much effort to keep moving ...its worth watching once ..
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Alice B. from SANDY, UT Reviewed on 6/10/2013...
A trio of women friend performers Since the 1970's showcases Abba's songs and one of their daughters is getting married. An interesting Comedy develops the daughter invites and talks to 3 men who are her potential father. Her mother is very embarrassed. A full musical and a surprise ending. No way was I prepared.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jennifer G. (JennaG) from KINGSLAND, GA Reviewed on 12/23/2011...
I watched this movie a few times, but I didn't like it very much. I usually watch movies a few times because I always see something new every time! I love musicals, but I think this movie would have been better if it wasn't. It's an okay movie to watch, but I wouldn't keep it in my inventory.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Pamela G. (pamgram1) from CHAFFEE, MO Reviewed on 3/15/2010...
I loved this movie. Mostly for the ABBA songs. Yes, I agree on Pierce Brosnan can't sing, but Meryl Streep did great. I think everyone did a great job of singing. The plot is OK. It kept my attention more because I was singing all the songs. It still gets added to my collection and I have watched it more than 3 times. What can I say...I am addicted to it. LOL
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
S A A. (Learned2Heal) Reviewed on 9/26/2009...
As far as my husband and I are concerned, this movie is a massive waste of time. We gave up and stopped watching it about 1/3 of the way through. Given the stellar cast, it was shockingly overacted, loud and just plain overdone in every way. The women express themselves by ceaselessly shrieking in "delight", the singing and dance sequences lack artistry and talent, and there are way too many "quirky" characters trying to show how "funny" they can be and failing miserably. Even though I do like ABBA, it did not make up for the massive, unfriendly assault I found was waged on my senses otherwise. To be fair, I am writing this before I send out my copy to the next hapless bidder.
1 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Alice H. (singlegalkansas) from TOPEKA, KS Reviewed on 7/19/2009...
Could have been better, but it worked for what it had!
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Colleen S. from STERLING HTS, MI Reviewed on 3/24/2009...
What can I say but this is a guilty pleasure of mine. Love the music, it and just makes me want to sing and dance. Yes it's a bit corny and Pierce Brosnan CAN NOT SING but loved, loved loved it!
3 of 3 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. Love this movie and the music. "