Mamma mia, I won't be going again .

Rating: 3/10 (10 July 2008)

I entered the movie theater with high hopes - the idea of Meryl Streep playing the charismatic, bohemian Donna, and mother of the bride, was enough to make me think this movie was going to be an instant hit. With the added bonus' of seeing Peirce Brosman in a musical, Colin Firth singing his heart out and Julie Walters doing what she does best, I was almost certain that this movie was going to be the biggest hit of the year.
Oh, Mamma Mia! Was I wrong.
Not only was I beyond disappointed with the over-the-top and in-your-face acting, but the vocals from some of the worlds biggest actors and actresses left a lot to the imagination. I have always been an avid Streep fan, but she let her fans down completely by slaughtering some of Abba's most famous songs. Though, her bumpy and octave-jumping voice was nothing in comparison to the torture I felt when Peirce Brosman took center stage. With every syllable I sunk deeper into my chair, wanting to curl up into a ball and imagine my happy place. Yes, it was really that bad.
I was pleasantly surprised with Amanda Seyfried, who played the beautiful, soon-to-be-married Sophie. Her beautiful voice ricashaded through the cinema, and not in the same way that Brosman or Streep's had. Although, her talent was not enough to redeem this film from its unending woes.
Julie Walters and Christine Baranski were the small, dull lights somewhere in the back of the set. Perhaps the most talented vocalists in the movie, with the exception of Amanda Seyfriend, their energetic portrayals of Rosie and Tanya made me laugh endlessly. I was most impressed with Walter's solo at the end of the film - adapting Abba's timeless classic, Take a Chance on me.
Needless to say, I won't be taking another chance on this movie.
I left the cinema in disappointment - a movie that had so much potential was ruined by bad casting and terrible vocals. Perhaps the next adaptation of the hit stage show will not leave me wanting a refund for my ticket.
I give this film a 3 out of 10, and even that might be generous.