Take A Chance On Me

Rating: 9/10 (5 September 2008)

What a shock. After hearing about a new musical based around the songs of pop sensation Abba i very much decided right away at that moment that i would avoid the whole thing. Eventually i was won round and decided to try it, believing i would find every painful minute a hellish in your face debacle.
Imagine my astonishment,sat there smiling eye to eye throughout finding it almost impossible to stop my legs from bouncing up and down to the fantastic tunes. Nothing i ever expected. Not even slightly. One of the most unrecognisably brilliant films you could ever (not) want to see.
The story is based around a 20 year old young lady (Amanda Seyfried) who is soon to be wed but has a need to know who her father is before the big day. It could be one of three men, so of course the best idea is to invite them all and hope that fate brings them together. Meryl Streep is fantastic as Donna,absolutely perfect for the roll.The lonely mother who eventually finds her lost love from the past in one of the dads to be. Her singing is so passionate, yes she may not be amazing quality but this follows the traits of the film all the way. Along With Sam's (Pierce Brosnan's) best efforts with the vocals. It helps crack a smile, his overly throaty version of SOS having the cinema crowd in pure merriment.
Colin Firth, one of my favourite British actors is a welcome inclusion as one of Donnas previous boyfriends Harry Bright. He produces a beautiful version of "Our Last Summer" even if he decides to use the words rain...seine and remain with a slight and almost Australian accent. Colin has a rather funny twist at the end involving him and a local Greek man which just about sums up the film.
Julie Walters is hilarious in her role as one of Donnas life friends, Rosie, the "Lone Wolf" with witty one liners and a version of "take a chance on me" that is everlasting in the mind chasing Stellen Skarsgard (Bill Anderson) over the rooftops. As true a performance to a character as you will ever see.
By the conclusion to the film i felt like i didn't want to leave the sensational world of Mama Mia. With beautiful scenery,Pure quintessentially British hilarity, and a song about everything possible. I could sing all day.
Truly. Thankyou for the Music.