Disappointing but worth watching

Rating: 6/10 (18 April 2010)

I really wanted to see Mamma Mia! as I love Meryl Streep, I love Julie Walters, I love musicals and I love ABBA. The film does have some very good things, but there were some disappointments as well.
Cinematography/Visuals: I loved the look of Mamma Mia! The cinematography was beautiful and the Greek locations were stunning, colourful and wondrous. The costumes with the exception of the horrible ones Meryl, Julie and Christine Baranski had to wear as they sang over the end credits are lovely as well.
Music: Nothing to complain about here. All the songs are great, especially "The Winner Takes it All", "Dancing Queen", "Money Money Money", "Waterloo" and "I Have a Dream". Then again, it's ABBA.
Story/Writing: I think the story and writing in my personal opinion were the biggest failings of the film. The writing is very clichéd at times, and the story while it has its sweet moments does have its ridiculous moments as well and lacked a sense of structure.
Direction/Choreography: The direction from Phyllida Lloyd was nothing to rave about but it was good. I actually liked the choreography in general, not so much for "Waterloo" but yes for "Money Money Money".
Acting/Vocals: I had mixed feelings here. Starting with the good, Amanda Seyfried was lovely beyond words as Sophie. She had allure and acted with real charm, and her vocals were very lightweight and tuneful. Meryl Streep, I actually liked her. I did worry that her singing was too low in "Money Money Money" but she really emotes in "The Winner Takes it All" and she looks gorgeous in the sunlight. However, I have to concur with those who didn't like Pierce Brosnan's singing, it had a decent tone at times but it was flat and lacked support particularly in the infamously bad rendition of "S.O.S". Julie Walters was also a disappointment. I don't hate Walters, far from it, I think she is amazing, however she isn't given as much to do, and her singing I found on the shouty side.
Overall, I was disappointed, but for the Greek locations and the music I guess it is worth seeing. 6/10 Bethany Cox