You know those music videos that some musicians put out because they want people to think they’re actors; so they spend loads of money, go to an island somewhere, and shoot this elaborate ordeal of convoluted situations filled with extras, bad dialogue, and a contrived plot that loosely fits into whatever their song is about? Yeah well, Mamma Mia! is like a string of those but instead of having a disillusioned singer it’s got loads of seemingly talented actors who were apparently just looking to vacation for a while on a Greek island. I almost expected R. Kelly to pop up, break the fourth-wall, and sing to me about some midget shitting his pants, which, really, wouldn’t have been that out of place.
In case you don’t know Mamma Mia! is about a chick who’s just little too giddy about learning her mom used to be the island bicycle. The girl’s getting married and she invited her three possible fathers to the wedding. That’s all I’m giving you, and really, that’s all there is.
The only thing that got me through this movie is that it’s based on ABBA songs (if you don’t like ABBA, you don’t know ABBA). After a while, and not being given any reason to care for the characters of this film, I just started waiting for the next song to come along. These songs are entertaining even when sung badly; which just happens to be the case here. I mean, Pierce Brosnan in a musical? Do what? I’m a fan of Pierce Brosnan, but this is supposedly a romantic comedy and the only times I found myself with the urge to laugh was when he was singing… and I’m fairly certain that wasn’t the intention.
There’s just nothing here beyond the music, and if you think, “well, that’s a musical” go watch Moulin Rouge, or Chicago, or freakin’ Dreamgirls. Even Hairspray, which I do not like, has some modicum of substance. While Mamma Mia! does have its moments, they can all be completely attributed to the music. You feel no contribution from acting, directing, and especially writing. If that’s going to be the case, then why spend two hours listening to bad renditions of good songs forced into an idiotic plot? Just buy ABBA’s greatest hits and save having to put up with a bad movie.
Filed under: Movie reviews | Tagged: ABBA, Mamma Mia!, movies, music, Pierce Brosnan, R. Kelly
That good?
I’m not sure about this one.
Very good review.
I’m going to watch it because I just have to. I need to watch Hairspray too.
Moulin Rouge sucked btw, just saying.
As for Mamma Mia’s slight sucking…. think about it, the movie version of Phantom wasn’t that wonderful either. Some musicals are best left as stage productions, ’cause lemme tell ya, Phantom on stage, mind blowing.
Thanks, Jerry.
Fiona, I’m sure Mamma Mia! on stage was good because it had people in it who could sing, like Louise Pitre who I hear is amazing. Meryl Streep has her moments, like when she sings “Slipping Through My Fingers” with Amanda Seyfried, and Seyfried is the strongest singer in the movie but doesn’t turn in a great acting job. It’s just a bad production.
I liked the movie version of Phantom, but I haven’t seen it on stage. So I can’t compare.
A shame, you would love it Normyface.
I bet I would, Finolabones.
I was actually expecting to click on your blog and read something like “Just kidding. Here’s a review of The Dark Knight.” Speaking of which, I’m seeing The Dark Knight tomorrow night. I would have seen it tonight, but even the theaters around here were sold out days in advance.
If I saw Mamma Mia!, I would see the stage version. The Broadway Across America tour of it came to the theater down the street, but I didn’t go.
Well Rove, I don’t make a habit of fooling my readers… plus… I think everywhere here is was sold out Friday for TDK. I’m hoping to see it tomorrow… maybe in IMAX.
The closest theater comes to hear is Atlanta… and I’m not cultured enough to drive that far for a play.
Well, for about half the year I’m in Boston, so I’m able to see theater productions. I saw Spamalot and Avenue Q this year.
But for the rest of the year (like right now) the closest movie theater to me is 70 miles. So for everyone complaining about movie tickets being expensive, add in how much it would cost to drive 70 miles to and from the theater. I can only afford to see movies that I really want to (unless I carpool with friends).
I wish I lived closer to the city because I would actually see theater productions. Although, there is a nice community theater here.
I try to see movies whenever I can, and there’s a great theater pretty close that gets in most of the movies I want to see.