Sheer and utter joy from beginning to end

Rating: 10/10 (19 July 2008)

As my partner and I waited to go into the theater where MAMMA MIA was playing, the previous show's audience was just coming out. Everyone seemed to be smiling and laughing. I really didn't know what to expect from this film, not having been a big fan of ABBA in its heyday and not having seen the stage musical. Suffice it to say that for sheer escapism and fun, this film is easily the most entertaining movie I've seen in a very long time.
I can't imagine the film being more perfectly cast than it is. Meryl Streep never ceases to amaze me. Is there no end to this woman's talent? Everyone in the film gives the illusion (if illusion it is) of having the time of their life. Even though one or two of the songs didn't really fit the context of the scene in which they were presented, they were catchy and tuneful.
As we came out of the theater, the entire audience seemed to be smiling and laughing. It's that kind of movie.
GO!