…to the theater to see MAMMA MIA!
I’ve been looking forward to this movie for weeks, not only because I knew it would be one of my first “days out” since my surgery. I saw the Broadway production several years ago with the Plotmonkeys when we were in NYC for a conference. Carly left early (she HATES musicals/plays) but Janelle, Leslie and I had a blast. By the end, we were on our feet, dancing…as was just about everyone else in the theater. It was amazing.
Here’s the movie trailer, if you haven’t seen it…
When I caught wind of the all-star cast of the movie, I just knew it was going to be good. I love Meryl Streep…I think she’s amazing and my respect for her as an actress went through the roof when she was in THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA. I saw her in interviews and I really thought, this lady knows how to live. It is that joie de vive that Streep brings to the role of Donna in MAMMA MIA, which made the film just w-o-r-k.
If you don’t know the story, basically, it goes like this. Twenty years ago, Donna had a summer where she lost the love of her life, Sam. In the months that followed, she had affairs with Harry and Bill. So when she finds herself pregnant with Sophie, she wasn’t sure who the father was. Now Sophie is getting married to Sky and she wants to know who she is–she wants to know her father. So after finding Donna’s diary, she deduces that either Sam, Harry or Bill are her father. She invites all three to the wedding and they all show up. Hilarity and poignancy ensue.
What I haven’t mentioned yet is the music. The story was created around the tunes of the 70s smash super-group, ABBA. I don’t know many people who can listen to “Mamma Mia,” “Dancing Queen,” or “Fernando” (which isn’t in the movie, but is one of my favorites) without wanting to sing or dance. The writers worked the music in brilliantly to the story. It’s not always literal, but hey, on Broadway, does it need to be?
Donna was also once the lead singer of a girl band. Her co-horts are played by two of my favorite actresses, Christine Baranski and Julie Walters. Now, you’re probably all thinking that I love Julie Walters because she plays Mrs. Weasley in the Harry Potter movies, but honestly, I’ve been a huge fan of hers since I first saw her in EDUCATING RITA, a brilliant movie starring her and Michael Caine. (Which if you haven’t seen it, SEE IT. Great movie.) She has amazing comic timing and she can sing! Baranski, of Cybil fame, is also a fine performer. I loved her in BIRDCAGE. The combination of Donna with her friends reminded me of the Plotmonkeys…the ease of their friendship and their incredible sense of fun! Put us on a Greek island and we might get a little nutty, too. I’m sure Leslie & I would have no trouble breaking out into song!
Now, on to the men. Okay, okay…Pierce Brosnan is no Michael Buble. He’s not a great singer. But he’s decent enough and if there is a man who can make you believe that an independent woman like Donna has pined for him for twenty years, it’s Pierce. The man is hot. Especially unshaven. Good Lord. Just stand there, Pierce. Now who can sing? Colin Firth! And he’s so cute and really plays the role to the hilt.
The cinematography of the movie is lovely and lively. The choreography captures the goofiness of the stage production and the side players, as on Broadway, were a great mix. Not all beautiful and perfect. I like that in professional actors and actresses! And I should also note that Amanda Seyfried is perfect as Sophie. She looks like Streep, but still has that youthful innocence and exuberance that is infectious. And she’s probably the strongest singer in the cast.
But back to Streep. First of all, yes, she can sing. Very, very well. She can dance, too. She plays the role no-holds-barred. She is Meryl Streep, after all. If she wants to have fun making a movie, then who is going to stop her? That sense of liveliness and utter joy just permeates the whole film. I challenge anyone who is having a bad day to come out of that movie without a spring in their step.
So…there it is. My review in a nutshell. I could go on for hours, but I’m going to have to see it again first!
Oh…and another thing. I’m getting really, really sick and tired of Hollywood getting so SURPRISED when a chick movie (though my husband went with me and while he’s not as enthusiastic as I am, enjoyed himself) has done so well. Um…SEX AND THE CITY anyone? When are the suits in LA going to get the message that movies featuring women in lead roles ARE GOING TO MAKE MONEY if they are good? The men in this film really are just icing…and I don’t know about you, but that’s okay by me.
So have you seen it? Will you? What do you think about Hollywood’s shock every time a great female-lead movie makes money?
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CARLY HERE: I need to explain. I’m weird. Dark theaters put me to sleep. I can’t hear what is going on on stage. I can’t figure out a plot based on music. I was also going through a funk at the time (at least as I remember it when I walked out!). BUT … that said …. I saw the previews, knew I’d love it, saw the movie and DID LOVE IT! And Pierce? Serve him to me on a silver platter, baby. MINE!
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CARLY AGAIN! I did an online radio interview you might want to HEAR at WORDSTOMOUTH.COM I hope you’ll check it out!
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By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold nearly thirty books to three publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her husband, daughter, spoiled dachshund, enormous guinea pig and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
ANOTHER WILD WEDDING NIGHT
Hard to Hold
Love Me If You Dare
Wild For Him
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I haven’t seen it, wasn’t sure I even wanted to, but your review might just change my mind, as I like all the actors/actresses you mentioned (especially the eye candy
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I think the thing about movies is that it’s more likely women will go see “chick flicks” AND the action films while men mostly just see action films, so they are perplexed everytime a woman’s movie does well. It seems silly, but whatever. I just hope Hollywood is smart enough to keep making these movies.
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I definitely plan to see it. I love ABBA and I think Meryl is amazing in whatever she does and it just looks like a fun movie. Plus, it has Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth – can’t go wrong with a little eye candy. And this thing about Hollywood being surprised when a “chick” movie makes a lot of money – they need to wake up and get a clue. Women can bring in the money – if the men let them. But, they keep giving the best parts to the men and don’t put a lot of weight into the powers of women. Well, guess what? Women are the ones who buy most of the tickets to the movies (from what I’ve observed in my movie-going ventures), so it would make sense that they’d buy a lot of tickets for a movie that has strong female leads, wouldn’t it? I don’t know. I think it’s time for a little less action (movies, that is) and a lot more of the things that make you feel good.
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Good morning :monkey :monkey :monkey :monkey and jungle buddies…
Jules, I get chills just thinking of this movie…I went to see it yesterday and it was one of the most amazing movie experiences I have ever had in my entire life…I laughed, I cried, I sand and I even wanted to jump up and dance as well…the story was so romantic…did I mentioned that I cried….Meryl Streep is such a versatile actress; both her and Pierce Brosnan surprised me and it was wonderful…Mamma Mia was much better than I anticipated and I am so glad that I was able to catch it in the theaters…Guys, definitely go see it in the theaters; it is quite an experience…I wanted to be right there in Greece with Donna, Sophie, Henry, Bill and Sam…I didn’t want to leave the theater, but life intruded….did you stay after the credits? Nice surprise there…
I wanted to see it on Broadway, but I could never afford the tickets…hopefully, with the movie, they might bring Mamma Mia back to Broadway…or I could just be mistaken in thinking that it finished its run there….
I loved the camaraderie of the characters and the similarities between Sophie and her friends with that of Donna and her gal pals were amazing…I wish I had friendships like that…
I absolutely loved Mamma Mia and I give it 20 digits (fingers and toes included)…I can’t wait to see it again, and the DVD needs to get here fast…
I was feeling down yesterday prior to the movie, and by the end I was excited and almost forgot why I was feeling depressed…of course reality set later that night…
The theater near my house is have a Karaoke sing-along on Thursday night and I am going to try and go see it with a bunch of my friends…the grand prize is a trip for 2 or 4 to Las Vegas…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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I haven’t seen it yet, but plan too. I mean really, Pierce and Colin alone are worth the price of admission.
Meryl Streep started out on Broadway singing, so that she does well in this is no surprise.
My 86 year old neighbor just loves Abba and the play. I wish he were here instead of with his daughter so he could go with me, even if he can’t see squat right now. He would enjoy the music anyway.
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I just posted this at the end of the actual blog above (Julie, I hope you don’t mind). I’ll repost here for those who come back just for comments: CARLY HERE: I need to explain. I’m weird. Dark theaters put me to sleep. I can’t hear what is going on on stage. I can’t figure out a plot based on music. I was also going through a funk at the time (at least as I remember it when I walked out!). BUT … that said …. I saw the previews, knew I’d love it, saw the movie and DID LOVE IT! And Pierce? Serve him to me on a silver platter, baby. MINE! :heart1: :heart1: :heart1: :heart1: The man walked on, stood between two other men and I KNEW he was the one.
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I was in England last week and saw it there. I was never a big ABBA fan – but the movie, that’s another story. From the time it started till it ended – I was hooked! Loved every minute and hated for it to end. My mother was laughing, crying and singing and my 13 year old niece (who had never heard of ABBA before) can’t wait to see it again with her friends (neither can I!!). I don’t think I have had this type of reaction to a movie since Dirty Dancing came out in the early 80’s. Am I showing my age yet? As stated above, Meryl Streep was wonderful. There wasn’t one cast member I would change. Julie Walters – what comic timing…Pierce – I’ve been a fan since Remington Steele. By the end (the surprise ending) the theatre was on it’s collective feet singing and clapping. What a great way to spend a couple of hours!!
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I love ABBA and can’t wait to see Mamma Mia! I never got a chance to see the plan when it came to Nashville. I hope to see it this weekend or next. I know I’ll see Dark Knight this weekend, so it might have to wait until next weekend(movies are crazy expensive now). Thanks for the great review Julie (yours too Carly)! I don’t get why Hollywood doesn’t think that a “Chick Flick” will do well. I loved SATC and women go to the movies just as much as guys.
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My husband and I went to see Mamma Mia! when it was in Denver a few years ago. I’m not a huge ABBA fan–to me the songs all sound alike so its like listening to one song over and over and over. Sorry, Julie
But, we really, really enjoyed it. It was so much fun especially when some of the cast came out and did a little improv at the end. Too fun!!
We will probably wait until it comes out on DVD to see the movie just because its hard for us to go see that many movies because we don’t like to leave our daughter at home by herself. She can stay by herself for a couple of hours during the day but she’s just really connected to us because she’s special needs.
Have a terrific day all,
Cher
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I haven’t seen it – I hadn’t even heard of it until Leslie mentioned it yesterday!
Yes, I live in a very small, sheltered world…but after that review how can I NOT go see it!?
And Carly, I’m with you…I don’t really do the theater thing well either. I’ve never been to Broadway (never been to NY – see above “small, sheltered world” comment) but when I’ve gone to local plays to see people I knew I really struggled with sitting there through the whole thing.
But that’s one of the things I think is so cool about the Plotmonkeys. You’re all very unique and yet you blend so well together!
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Wow…Julie…this is the first positive review I have seen of it! I saw a clip and it was of Meryl singing and it wasn’t pretty. Now, I’ll go see it for sure next week (can’t this week, got James Taylor tomorrow!!!!!).
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I definitely plan to see it, especially considering im a huge Meryl Streep fan and have been forever. Anything she comes out with, I watch, and I don’t care what it is. lol I’m very picky of anything musical I watch, but I believe this one will be fabulous and I can’t wait. Especially if it has Pierce in it. That man just gets hotter with age. :flamer: Hubba hubba.
And I’m not a huge theater fan as well. I prefer to watch a show from the comfort of my own home. For one, I’ve got surround sound anyways, two, I don’t have to pay five bucks for popcorn and drink, and three, the best one, I can pause it and rewind any time I want. What can beat that?! lol.
One of the problems with Hollywood is that there’s too many “suits”. If there were more skirts in the decision-making bunch, I’m sure they’d be more supportive of leading female shows/movies.
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Alicia, I agree–there need to be more skirts in Hollywood…but I also think the people in Hollywood need to get OUT of Hollywood every so often and experience the real world a little bit. Not necessarily to small towns, but to medium sized cities like mine. It’s a different world!
katie, I hope you do go see it. Just check your expectations at the door and prepare to have fun. That’s what I told my husband and he liked it, surprisingly. He’s not a big ABBA fan…he’s not even a big MOVIE or theater fan, but he enjoyed himself. Of course, the poor guy was sandwiched between me and a woman (a stranger…though not by the time the credits were rolling!) who had also seen the play, loved ABBA, etc.
Carly, you also had a headache. I forgot to add that part! I’m glad you liked the movie…live theater isn’t for everyone, though I think it’s one of those jokes of nature that you live so close to Broadway and don’t like the experience…I’m jealous!
I’ve read some interesting reviews of the movie…one that called the choreography goofy. Well, duh. The reviewer totally missed the point.
Oh, and I also didn’t mention that this was the first movie I’d ever seen where people clapped IN THE MIDDLE of the movie. After songs, like at the theater. It was great.
And yes, do stay for the credits…they stole the ending straight from the play and it’s worth waiting for!
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I agree with you Julie. It would be nice if those guys could get out and experience “small town America” the way we do. I think they’d sing a different tune if they did.
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CARLY AGAIN! I did an online radio interview you might want to HEAR at WORDSTOMOUTH.COM I hope you’ll check it out!
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I can’t wait to see the movie hoepfully I will get to see it soon.
Carly the interview was great learned a little more about you. Can’t wait to get my book.
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Thanks for the review. I cannot wait to see it. Hope every monkey has a great day!
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Julie…I’ve seen the musical in the theater…love ABBA music…the scenery looks beautiful! Now, I really gotta see it!
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Julie,
great review. :monkey
I have been wanting to see Mama Mia for months after I saw the preview at the show.
I am just trying to get someone to go with me.
I love musicals, loved Abba back in the day.
I hope to find someone in the family to go with me if not I waill have to buy a copy when it is released.
I love a make you feel good movie and Meryl Streep is one of my all time favorite actresses.
:monkey
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I’ve seen the Broadway show THREE TIMES, and I can’t wait to see the movie. I’m taking the girls today. I can’t wait!
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Loved your review of the movie, Julie – I may try to catch this in theaters. I’ve enjoyed all the articles I’ve been reading on it.
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I saw the movie on Monday – it was a lot of fun. I saw the play on Broadway with 2 friends and really enjoyed that.
The movie and the music will get you going and singing. Watch the whole film – all the way to the end and you will get a surprise or two at the end.
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Can’t wait to see this but haven’t yet. Meryl Streep was on The View the other day along with the actress that plays her daughter, loved seeing them. Pierce Brosnan–yum!
Someone yesterday mentioned they thought the movie was miscast, from the trailers I’ve seen I’d say the casting is brilliant.
Everyone have a good day.
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Oh, I can’t wait to see this! Hubby’s out of town so the girls and I are thinking of going this weekend. But wait, The X Files starts this weekend, too!
Decisions, decisions…might be time for a double feature!
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My husband would rather poke his eyes out than see this movie- but I forgive him for that. I love musicals and I want my kids to love theater so we will probably see this movie when it comes out on DVD. Movies are so expensive these days and I have to be choosy about what we see. I am a Batman girl so we treated ourselves to that one yesterday.
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I said it was miscast….love all of the actors, just having trouble putting them all together…
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Wait til you see it, katie! All the actors are so talented, you’ll be shocked at how they blend into the roles.
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Julie,
I took my 4 year old daughter to see it Sunday!!! We loved it!!! Ever since she saw the preview she’s been dancing around everywhere sing MAMMA MIA!!!! She sang and danced in the aisle!!! I bought the cd for my mom and already down loaded it to my Ipod!! now i listen to while i’m at work! :):)
I agree with Julie RUN don’t walk to go see it!
BTW Julie, I heard the musical is comming back to the Tampabay Performing Arts Center in August!!!
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I was here earlier but had to leave for an appointment before I got all my comments in!
As for my comments about the “miscast comment” I wasn’t sure if I misread it or misunderstood. My humble opinion is that Meryl Streep & Pierce Brosnan cast together in any movie would be a good thing. I haven’t seen Colin Firth that much so don’t have an opinion! Love Christine Baranski, I always watched Cybil & Christine was tops!! Maybe I will try to go see this in the next few days but I will have to go alone! Poor me!! My movie going buddies have either moved or indicated that they don’t want to go. Oh well! To me half the fun of going to a movie is going with someone to share the enjoyment. I love musicals, grew up on them & I also love live theater but if we all liked the same thing it would be a dull world. It is so much fun when someone doesn’t want to see a movie/play and then loves it, just shows we need to keep an open mind.
Hollywood should start waking up to the fact that “if” they make a good movie with strong female leads the female population will come to see it. Maybe they are learning. Rita Wilson is one of the producers on Mamma Mia and she seems to be leading the charge in this. Remember My Big Fat Greek Wedding, that was such a hit that was unexpected.
Okay, guess I have rattled on enough.-
Thanks Julie for sharing this with us.
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I plan on seeing Mamma Mia when it comes out on DVD this way I can sing as much as I want I did see it on Broadway and LOVED IT I also was singing along. My mom also got the CD after we saw it on Broadway.
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I’ve seen the stage version twice and think the movie looks F-U-N!! I :heart1: Collin Firth!!!
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I haven’t seen it, but I plan to. It looks like it’ll be a lot of fun to watch. The funniest part for me, though, was when the preview came on the TV and my mom had no idea who ABBA was. So, I started singing the chorus for ‘Dancing Queen’ and she recognized the song. It was so funny that she didn’t know ABBA had done that song and ‘Mama Mia’ as well. Her response was that she just doesn’t pay attention to who sings what.
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I definitely do intend to see it soon.
:monkee2: 
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I ended up seeing the movie today with my girls. Meryl Streep is AMAZING. Is there anything that woman CAN’T do? Pierce is great to look at, but as a singer, my girls and I were cringing, LOL.
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Janelle, I honestly believe that Streep is the finest actress of our era. She’s the Bette Davis & Katherine Hepburn of our time. Utterly fabulous. She should get a freaking Oscar, but you know it won’t happen.
I didn’t think Pierce was THAT bad…just not that good. Wasn’t Colin adorable? He does comedy so well.
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I saw a stage production last year and SOOOOO enjoyed it — But I’m ready to see the film !!!
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I can’t wait to see this movie! I loved the show–must have seen it four or five times on Broadway because every time anyone came to visit me it was what they wanted to see. And it never got old! The casting for the movie is spot on, and I just know Colin Firth is going to steal every scene not already being stolen by Christine Baranski.