295. Mama Mia!; movie review

MAMA MIA!

Cert 12A

109 mins

BBFC advice: Contains mild language and sexual references

It still makes me laugh, despite the lousy singing and the corny links.

The last time I watched Mama Mia! was its previous release three years ago. I am more positive about it now but the overall analysis hasn't changed much..

It was the film the critics loathed and the public loved. Mama Mia! was a musical cinema phenomenon even though some of its leading actors couldn't sing. 

Ten years on and it prompts a tinge of sadness (it was a favourite of Mrs W's sister who is no longer with us) but still makes us laugh. Mrs W and I sat down to revisit Phyllida Lloyd's film because it had appeared briefly in cinemas a month ago, presumably as a preamble to its much publicised summer sequel. 

And, despite its glaring flaws, it is easy to see why the graduation from stage to screen was so adored. Much of Mama Mia!'s skill is down to the adaptation of a storyline, based around Abba songs (there are even a couple which we didn't remember or recognise). 

Linked to these classic tunes, is the tale of Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), a 20-year-old bride-to-be who doesn't know who her father is. 

She has been brought up on a beautiful Greek island by her mum (Meryl Streep) who refuses to say who's the daddy. 

Thus, Sophie gleans from her mum's diaries that it could be one of a trio of chaps, so invites all three (Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård) without telling her. 

Chaos and fun ensues in equal measure, heightened by the appearance of two of the best friends (Julie Walters and Christine Baranski) of the mother-of-the-bride. 

The story is patchy but there are some funny moments (usually inspired by Walters) and the songs are great. Well, in the right hands they are. Seyfried is a proper singer, Streep can just about get away with it, as do Walters and Baranski but Firth and Brosnan are lamentable.

I can't imagine how bad Brosnan must have been originally if this is his studio-enhanced voice. Unfortunately, it is so poor it becomes a distraction from a film which is a lot of fun and sets us up nicely for the next round.

Actually, I think I might have been a tad harsh. The facts is that Mama Mia still puts a smile on my face a makes me giggle.

Reasons to watch: A feelgood classic

Reasons to avoid: Pierce Brosnan's singing

Laughs: Still elicited three belly-laughs on its third view

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 8/10

Did you know? Both Olivia Newton-John and Michelle Pfeiffer were considered to play the role of Donna.  Meanwhile, Mandy Moore, Amanda Bynes, Rachel McAdams and Emmy Rossum were in the running to play Sophie, and Bill Nighy almost played one of the 'father' roles.  Donny Osmond was also in the frame for Sam, played by Brosnan.

The final word. Pierce Brosnan: “I didn’t know anything about Mamma Mia! so I went along to see the show. I then realised I would have to sing if I took the part! But nothing was going to stop me playing alongside Meryl." 

 

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