A Definitive Girls Night Out

Rating: 7/10 (15 March 2010)

When I came to the premiere of "Mamma Mia!" last year, it was flooded with couples bringing their loved ones to be amused, entertained and humming to the beat of their classic song from the 1970's Swedish pop band ABBA. The ladies were having a ball, and were laughing hysterically at every joke and every well-timed spoof. Some of them, sang and even a danced along, making it an evening they'll never forget. Even a guy like me was enjoying the moment in a more subtle way.
What got me into the mood was the crowd-pleasing movie, the props, the sets and of course, the always charismatic Meryl Streep. This time, she takes herself to a new level, by underplaying her role and keeping it sublime.
Sure in musicals, it's normal to be over-the-top, and it gave her a chance to sing, which she rarely does in her films. Which is a shame because she has a natural singing voice.
Unfortunately, Pierce Brosnan is not cut out for musicals. His antics on the screen are overdone, which is good. But, his singing voice can only be deemed as average at best. It's like he's only there for the drama and not much on the music.
The Greek Island is thing of traveller's eye-candy. The beautiful location. With the material provided, it was the perfect setting for this story to commence.
Sure we modest men are afraid to admit it, but you can't deny that ABBA is the best thing to come along in Sweden since the invention of the printing press (Johan Guttenberg). Sure it can be one-note in their tone, but if you listen carefully to the lyrics and to leave out the beat of the music you'll be surprised at the subliminal message behind their lyrics and the go together with the silly story.
So my advice, to those married couples when your wife asks to see "Mamma Mia!" just go with them enjoy the night out, regardless that it's not manly enough for you. You can even just sit there eating your popcorn if you have to. After the movie's over you can go back to your manly ways again.