I finally know why my mom loves the musical Mamma Mia!

Rating: 7/10 (5 January 2009)

Okay, so I finally saw what now seems to be my mother's favorite musical-her being an ABBA fan and all-in both stage and movie versions since she loved this when she saw it on her birthday last year and requested it for a Christmas present from me. Overall, it was indeed enjoyable despite the somewhat shallow characterizations and plot. Of the singing cast, Meryl Streep comes off best and Pierce Brosnan the worst. In fact, I wished he and Colin Firth had switched roles since Mr. Firth is the much better singer. Of the supporting cast, both Julie Walters and Christine Baranski had good vocal chops throughout while Stellan Skarsgard was adequate the few times he sang. Then there are the young leads Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper who both warbled in fine form. Nice cameos by both former ABBA members Bjorn Ulvaeus and, in the "Dancing Queen" number, Benny Andersson on the piano. Overall, Mamma Mia! The Movie was a very enjoyable experience. So to anyone who doesn't mind a little frothy entertainment, that's a recommendation.