Mamma Mia!

Ha!

I read a few months back that "Mamma Mia!" was having issues with their test screenings because at times when people were supposed to take things seriously they started laughing uncontrollably--well, they either ignored the notes and proceeded as planned, or decided to say "fuck it, we've got a movie chock-full of ABBA songs, so laughing is necessary." I am siding with the latter.

I saw this opening night so everyone in the theater was either gay, serious ABBA fans or lovers of the play, or interested to see how Meryl Streep does singing (most likely all of the above.) It was fantastic. People were singing along, clapping at the end of dance numbers--most memorably, "Dancing Queen" and just all around having a blast. I think I smiled the whole time.

Amanda Seyfried was AMAZING. Her voice is magical and pure and her smile is even more infectious--something I wouldn't know because her character Sarah on "Big Love" is so miserable I don't think I had seen her show her teeth before. In fact the (female) cast as a whole was pretty fucking fantastic. Everyone loves Meryl--I mean, come on. And Christine Baranski played a pretty mean cougar. Even Julie Walters--fuck, that's Mrs. Weasley busting it out in go-go boots and leggings!

The men however....ugh. I don't know if they just handed the part to Pierce Brosnan without asking if he could sing first or what--but Jesus. I couldn't even watch his scenes. THIS is where all the laughter was inserted. He couldn't even lip-sync to his own singing! Utterly cringe-worthy. Same with Dominic Cooper, or Sky in the movie. I guess he was cute to look at, and then BAM! he starts singing--ugh. But I guess it could be worse. Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgaard were amazing as always.

I couldn't help but go download the whole soundtrack to my iPhone as soon as possible either....and it's been playing in my car ever since.

I feel for anyone watching me drive down Bryant Irvin whilst "Take a Chance on Me" is playing. You're gonna get some moves.

7.5/10