Film Reviews

Mamma Mia!

• Rating:
• Director: Phyllida Lloyd
• Starring: Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard
• Details: UK/USA / (PG).

As someone who likes Abba, loves Greece but has a consistent dislike for musicals, I had mixed feelings about this venture. The 'plot' sees the pretty Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) prepare for her wedding on a quaint Greek island with help from bohemian mum Donna (Steep). Curious as to which of three men Donna slept with is her father, Sophie invites Sam (Brosnan), Harry (Firth) and Bill (Skarsgard) to the wedding, secure in the knowledge that when she sees him she'll know which one it is. That plan doesn't work out, however, and Donna is lumbered with three former suitors on the day of her daughter's wedding. Having not seen the stage version, the idea of having a plot set to Abba tunes sounded at best fun and at worst ridiculous. Let's get something right from the off - the plot is not based on or around Abba tunes; the first line of the song (different versions it must be noted) is indeed a kick-start from what someone has just said, but the rest of the song's lyrics do not fit. There's no finer example for this than the showstopper The Winner Takes It All: Brosnan wants to talk about his potential parentage with Streep but she responds, 'I don’t want to talk' and cue song. That's all fine and well - a competent segue way - but when it gets to the chorus the song makes absolutely no sense at all. We're watching Brosnan standing there, thinking 'Eh, what's all this about winners, losers, gods, dice and taking it all? I just want to find out if I'm Sophie’s dad.' The nonsense doesn't stop there: There's no chemistry between anyone, the whole cast looks like they're being forced to have fun (like a hen night in Temple Bar) and they managed to make a beautiful location look fake. It's a waste of time and money - but it doesn't have to be your time and money.

Review by Gavin Burke