Sweden is known for two things: the Volvo and Abba. Millions of music fans get to relive the fab four's upbeat tunes in Mama Mia, a dazzling fun musical from Universal Studios now dancing up a storm of business at Scotiabank Theatre, Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City screens across B.C. First time director Phyllida Lloyd comes from out of nowhere to direct this big budget flick that is full of energy over its 108-minute tour de force. Mental note: make sure you stick around till the end credits as there are some impromptu disco numbers that bring the house down.
Armchair travelers will be transfixed by the cinematography here. Shot on location in two gorgeous Greek Isles our tale revolves around the upcoming wedding of twenty-year old Sophie. This effervescent girl is madly in love with a local bloke while busy helping her mom Donna. Unfortunately two problems confront the lass: the hotel Donna owns is run down and, more importantly, she's not sure who her dad is. Bad history concerns Sophie's birth so in order to solve the puzzle she "invites" three possible candidates who may have been the appropriate sperm donors.
Unbeknownst to anyone three outsiders descend on the Isles. Bachelor number one is Sam Carmichael while the other men are Bill and Harry Bright. Each gent brings something different to the table but just who is the lucky dad to be is a big question mark. This uncertainty to the birth certificate male signature supplies the main thrust of this movie. No less than 18 songs drive the story forward as each of these actors belts out the tunes on their own.
Big name stars like Meryl Streep (Out of Africa) and Pierce Brosnan (Goldeneye) lay claim as the two potential lovebirds from a past life. Streep is excellent in the singing department while Pierce may be better with that old Walther PPK. Tons of laughter back ends the story with some hilarious bits supplied by Donna's two aging relatives, Rosie and Tanya, played with great gusto by Julie Walters (Educating Rita) and Christine Baranski (Bulworth). Ace actors Colin Firth (Love Actually) and Stellan Skarsgard (Ronin) portray the other two potential dads with great relish.
Whether this movie works or not for you largely depends on the actor playing the bride go be. Rising star Amanda Seyfried (Alpha Dog) is spot on as the messed-up girl trying to find a father and is great with the songs.
Lots of great music, engaging repartee between the actors and those beautiful Greek settings make Mama Mia a fun time for the entire family.
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Mama Mia (G) * * *
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