By Belinda White
Starring: Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Julie Walters, Stellan Skarsgard, Dominic Cooper & Christine Baranski
Directed by: Phyllida Lloyd
108 mins : Certificate PG
What's the story?
Former Dancing Queen now ageing Chiquitita Donna (Meryl Streep) is busy preparing for her daughter Sophie's (Amanda Seyfried) wedding on the gorgeous Greek island where she now lives and runs a guesthouse. Unbeknown to Donna, the cheeky bride to be, who has no idea who her father is, has invited all three potential dads to join the wedding party. Much fun and confusion ensues as everyone tries to work out who's the daddy and ultimately whether it really matters. All this is, of course, set to a knockout ABBA soundtrack with songs shoehorned in with all the subtlety of a ‘70s sequinned jumpsuit.
Who's in it?
What ultimately saves Mamma Mia! from descending into a diabolical overload of campness is its A-list cast. Whoever persuaded arguably the best actress of her generation, Meryl Streep, to don a pair of dungarees, sing her heart out (very well by the way) and dance like nobody's watching deserves an Oscar themselves. Where else do you get James Bond murdering SOS, rom-com hero Colin Firth dancing like the guy from the Gay Exchange advert and indie film favourite Stellan Skarsgard baring his bottom in the name of comedy? The younger cast members don't disappoint either, both with their beauty and on-screen chemistry.
What's to like?
Almost everything. The songs are indestructible, the energy is contagious and the casting is genius. There‘s beautiful scenery, great comedy (big shout out to Julie Walters) and is the whole thing is fun with a capital F.
What's not to like?
Not much to be honest. Even if you're a die-hard musicals fan (like me), you are likely to spend the first five minutes with your toes curling so hard they start to cramp. But wait! Before you know what's happening you'll find yourself smiling, laughing, singing along (in your head please - very annoying for other cinema goer's otherwise), and perhaps even shedding a tear. You can try to fight it but ultimately you can't not enjoy it.
Best Bits?
The chemistry between the three old best friends played by Meryl Streep, Julie Walters and Christine Baranski is fantastic - you know they had fun making this film. Likewise the three men make an unlikely trio. Much hilarity arises from Pierce Brosnan's singing (bless him for trying) and Colin Firth's journey takes an entertaining turn at the end.
Verdict
A sure-fire hit. Don't go with any preconceptions, just relax and accept that this film is in no way taking itself seriously, it's just a big old riotous celebration of high camp - get over it!
Watch our exclusive video interview with Meryl Streep.
