A Wonderfully Entertaining and Uplifting Musical

Rating: 7/10 (18 July 2008)

Mamma Mia! What more needs to be said? In the latest Broadway-to-film adaptation to hit theaters, Meryl Streep stars as Donna, whose daughter, Sophie, has discovered all three of her possible fathers by reading her mother's diary and has now invited all three to her Greek Island Wedding. From the first moment 'Mamma Mia!' starts you know you're in for a unique and uplifting experience, and the film does not disappoint that expectation. Full of catchy pop songs and fun choreography, this is one musical that embraces its flamboyance for all it's worth- and comes out the better for it.
The cast is all having a great time and it shows. Meryl Streep turns in yet another wonderfully entertaining performance and creates a character unlike anything we've ever seen from her before. Her Donna is a heroine for middle-aged women everywhere, a funny, saucy, and utterly lovable mom. Then there's Donna's two best friends played to comedic brilliance by Christine Baranski and Julie Walters. Any moment those two appear on screen you know is gonna be great. Amanda Seyfried also turns in a fine performance in her first semi-leading role as Sophie, and her "fathers" (Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan, and Stellan Skarsgard) all deserve praise for committing to such a different project for all of them.
I'm sure that there will be many people who will refuse to enjoy 'Mamma Mia!' and find it over-the-top, silly, and utterly cheerful. But if you open your mind and let yourself give in to the infectious happiness radiating from the screen you're in for a wonderful ride. It is over-the-top, silly, and utterly cheerful; it's also utterly entertaining and enjoyable. Mamma Mia indeed! How can I resist ya??? 8/10 stars!
Jay Addison