***
This is the very definition of a feel good, summer film. Set as it is, on a Greek island, amongst the white washed buildings, blue seas and sandy beaches, incorporating some of the greatest pop songs of all time in the form of Benny and Bjorn's handiwork, I defy even the greatest cynic (and I include myself in that category) not to be even slightly caught up in the wave of euphoria.
Of course the plot is nonsense. A single mother (Meryl Streep) and her daughter run a hotel of sorts. The daughter is to marry and guests of all shapes and sizes are gathering for the wedding. Those invited include three men, old flames of the mother, who arrive unbeknown to her, their last minute invitation a result of revelations discovered by the bride-to-be in her mother's diary. The daughter hopes that by inviting them, she can at last, on her wedding day, truly feel complete in the knowledge of her fathers identity.
The thing is, no matter how ridiculous the premise, so frivolous, energetic and zesty are the performances, that all sense of reality pails into insignificance (it is a musical after all). Streep is the jewel in the crown here. One minute full of sass, performing 'onstage' at the hen party, the next minute, authentically heartbroken when singing 'The Winner Takes It All' a top a cliff. Even those who can't quite hit the mark when it comes to vocals (Brosnan, Waters et al) seem to be having such a bloody good time acting this film, you're inclined to forgive them instantly.
Where the film might let itself down (and this may be true of the musical), is that it doesn't offer anything underneath all this feel good sense of freedom. It won't be a problem for most people, but where Baz Luhrmann brought a real sense of drama in Moulin Rouge's fight for revolution and, above all things, love, Mamma Mia never really manages to add any real sense of anticipation or suspense.
In truth, the film is really just one, big singalong and although the songs are weaved into the plot (sometimes more successfully than others) which does allow an appreciation of the lyrics of songs we've most likely only previously danced to, I do wonder whether the film really adds much spectacle other than the opportunity to goggle at some well known stars making a spectacle of themselves.
Having said that, there are some genuine moments of wonder and thrill in the more intricate set pieces, dancers adding a more valid cinematic experience. (I do worry about the portrayal of the Greek locals though, ignored for the most part by the lead characters or portrayed as a bit simple when they are addressed.)
You can't argue however, with the overall effect of the film. You'll be singing in the aisles on the way out the cinema, it might even tempt you to book a holiday given the current winter gloom. Either way, people will undoubtedly be returning to Mamma Mia for their carefree kicks for some time to come.
This is the very definition of a feel good, summer film. Set as it is, on a Greek island, amongst the white washed buildings, blue seas and sandy beaches, incorporating some of the greatest pop songs of all time in the form of Benny and Bjorn's handiwork, I defy even the greatest cynic (and I include myself in that category) not to be even slightly caught up in the wave of euphoria.
Of course the plot is nonsense. A single mother (Meryl Streep) and her daughter run a hotel of sorts. The daughter is to marry and guests of all shapes and sizes are gathering for the wedding. Those invited include three men, old flames of the mother, who arrive unbeknown to her, their last minute invitation a result of revelations discovered by the bride-to-be in her mother's diary. The daughter hopes that by inviting them, she can at last, on her wedding day, truly feel complete in the knowledge of her fathers identity.
The thing is, no matter how ridiculous the premise, so frivolous, energetic and zesty are the performances, that all sense of reality pails into insignificance (it is a musical after all). Streep is the jewel in the crown here. One minute full of sass, performing 'onstage' at the hen party, the next minute, authentically heartbroken when singing 'The Winner Takes It All' a top a cliff. Even those who can't quite hit the mark when it comes to vocals (Brosnan, Waters et al) seem to be having such a bloody good time acting this film, you're inclined to forgive them instantly.
Where the film might let itself down (and this may be true of the musical), is that it doesn't offer anything underneath all this feel good sense of freedom. It won't be a problem for most people, but where Baz Luhrmann brought a real sense of drama in Moulin Rouge's fight for revolution and, above all things, love, Mamma Mia never really manages to add any real sense of anticipation or suspense.
In truth, the film is really just one, big singalong and although the songs are weaved into the plot (sometimes more successfully than others) which does allow an appreciation of the lyrics of songs we've most likely only previously danced to, I do wonder whether the film really adds much spectacle other than the opportunity to goggle at some well known stars making a spectacle of themselves.
Having said that, there are some genuine moments of wonder and thrill in the more intricate set pieces, dancers adding a more valid cinematic experience. (I do worry about the portrayal of the Greek locals though, ignored for the most part by the lead characters or portrayed as a bit simple when they are addressed.)
You can't argue however, with the overall effect of the film. You'll be singing in the aisles on the way out the cinema, it might even tempt you to book a holiday given the current winter gloom. Either way, people will undoubtedly be returning to Mamma Mia for their carefree kicks for some time to come.
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