While everyone else was going to see "The Dark Knight," Pam and I saw "Mama Mia," the musical based entirely on Abba songs. I was a huge Abba fan (particularly of Agnetha--hey, I was a college student), back when they were the biggest band in the world. "Take a Chance on Me" and "Dancing Queen" were my favorites, and both appeared in the movie. However, I didn't recognize several songs.
I suspect "Mama Mia" will do great, particularly with us folks in the older demographics who remember Abba. It was not as good a musical as "Hairspray," and certainly not as good as "Phantom of the Opera." But it was very enjoyable--fun, funny, tear-jerking in places, a happy ending.
Two observations:
- Mery Streep can really sing.
- Pierce Brosnan can't, but gets an A for effort.
I think the movie could have done just as well without Brosnan, but I imagine they were going for star-power equal to Streep. Hey, it worked out, and I did kinda enjoy the final song he did.
Anyway, go see it. You'll enjoy it. And you'll be humming Abba songs the rest of the day.
Career-wise, I've been hanging around and writing about and cheering on churches and pastors for the past 25 years as my denomination's Communications Director.
My friend and I walked out of this movie. We were previewing it for our daughters. They will not see it. I was embarrassed for Meryl Streep, she was way too old to be playing this role. The movie had a silly storyline and the men dancing on the pier in flippers was ...too much. But the sexual stuff was too much. I guess I was watching it through the eyes of my 15 year old. We were offended by all that. I hope I never get so desensitized that the things in this movie don't bother me anymore.
Julie--
I applaud you, and thanks for reminding me about the desensitizing thing. I, admittedly, have become more desensitized to moral values as expressed in pop culture than I usually realize. And when you've got a music with all these great Abba songs, it's harder (for me) to see the moral value underneath.
The movie does, indeed, float on a foundation of casual sex without commitment.
Thanks for keeping and following your convictions.
Steve