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Mamma Mia! (2008)
Director: Phyllida Lloyd
Movie review
From Time Out New York
With all the giddy, giggly energy of a ten-year-old girl’s slumber party (and roughly the same aesthetic self-discipline), Mamma Mia! practically dares you to criticize it, only to laugh in your face—and, presumably, all the way to the bank. From the breathless opening, in which bride-to-be Sophie (Seyfried, as cheery and full-throated as anyone from High School Musical) sends wedding invitations to each of the three men who might be her father, the cast jumps around a gorgeous Greek island, bursting into some of the most hooky pop songs ever written. (Just try to get through this review without “Waterloo” taking over your internal soundtrack.…)
The spectacle of Meryl Streep, one of the most lauded actors of her generation, crawling around a roof in overalls singing the title song is a bit jarring, but damned if she doesn’t throw herself into it with gusto. As her former backup singers, Julie Walters and Christine Baranski aren’t given enough to do; apparently Pierce Brosnan’s license to kill includes songs. Phyllida Lloyd’s direction is a study in middling success, with missed opportunities at every turn. But who cares? This movie isn’t just unapologetic fluff; it’s aggressive, out-loud-and-proud fluff. Just like ABBA.
Author: Hank Sartin
Time Out New York Issue 668: July 17 - 23, 2008
User reviews of this film
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- JR said...
- Posted on Sep 30 2009 01:07 I very good and funny story. With too many unnecessary musical performances. Pierce Brosnan (whom I've enjoyed for years) could have excersised his liscense to kill when he attempted to sing. Too many dance routines that stretched out too long and singers that shouldn't have been allowed to sing. Cut 50% of the musical performances and you'd have a great summer feelgood movie. Meryl looks good in overalls. Worth seeing, but not sure if I wish to repeat the experience.
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- kate antram said...
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Posted on Aug 04 2008 06:06
I thought this film was fantastic, its a tonic, you'll walk out of the cinema grinning from ear to ear! All the actors did a wonderfull job, and it was a real pleasure to see Colin Firth singing and dancing!
a fabulous summer film for everyone. - Report as inappropriate
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- Erik said...
- Posted on Jul 17 2008 16:44 Hank is right that a more experienced movie director could have done a better job, but overall... this movie is basically guaranteed to lift your spirits. You'll leave feeling better than when you entered. To me, that's worth the price of admission. Streep did a superb job, and I for one didn't know she could sing that well.
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Cast & crew
Director: Phyllida Lloyd
Cast: Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, Julie Walters, Dominic Cooper, Amanda Seyfried, Christine Baranski full cast
Genre(s): Musicals
Rated: PG-13
Duration: 108 mins
US Release: Jul 18 2008
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