Buy the Original Cast recording and use your imagination...

Rating: 6/10 (26 July 2008)

Let me preface this by stating that I am both a fan of the original musical play and ABBA in general. In addition, I am a fan of musicals in general. I also would like to add that in normal circumstances I am a fan of Meryl Streep. I believe that she is very talented actress.
The plot line is fairly simple (most musicals are): Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), the daughter of Donna (Meryl Streep), is about the get married. The only thing missing is her father. So, she invites her three possible dads in the hopes of finding her one true father.
The acting is decent all around. I think that Colin Firth and Julie Walters shine in their comedic roles. And, Christine Baranski and Amanda Seyfried give both solid acting and vocal performances.
However, not everyone was meant to sing and dance, and our two leads are prime examples. Meryl Streep, who is far too old to be the 38 year-old Donna of the stage show, overacts in every song, flailing about with some odd interpretive dance moves. And, her singing can be described as amateur at best. Pierce Brosnan should have stayed the strong, silent type. His acting is uneven at best, and his singing is cringe-worthy. One patron in my theater could not stop laughing during Streep and Brosnan's mini duet during "SOS." Brosnan's usually debonair voice becomes high and airy during his songs. Every time he opened his mouth, I prayed Streep's own mediocre pipes would take over.
If you enjoy the original musical and ABBA, then check it out. However, if you are unfamiliar with the show and songs, I would stay away. Unless that is, if you want to laugh at Streep and Brosnan showcasing their aging bodies and talentless singing.