Movie: Mama Mia

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.

Posted on July 18, 2008 06:22 PM|

Comments

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.

Posted by: julie | July 22, 2008 11:41 AM

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

Posted by: Steve Dennie | July 22, 2008 11:50 AM

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