More than "putting lipstick on a pig"

Rating: 8/10 (20 December 2008)

I must admit, when I first agreed to watch "Mama Mia!" with my wife, I felt I was doing penance for some terrible slight that I didn't remember. I've always considered ABBA to be a "guilty pleasure," songs too inconsequential for me to change the FM station, but nothing I'd even consider having in my collection. I honestly believe ABBA represents the 70s at its worst, conspiring perfectly with the dreadful clothing styles and visual elements of the time. Further, the trite, contrived storyline is as appropriately dreadful as the music and costumes. That being said, I am thankfully pleased to state that "Mama Mia!" is the most thoroughly entertaining film I've seen and heard this year (Pierce Brosnan's singing, notwithstanding), beautifully choreographed, photographed and directed. While Meryl Streep deservedly receives accolades, the ensemble performances are all perfect.
If I have any quibble at all, it's why the producers cut one of ABBAs "best" songs, particularly since the sequence is less than 2 minutes.
I give "Mama Mia!" an 8.