by Alison Moss

Created on: December 19, 2008

Mamma Mia is the ultimate feel good film. It has got romance, sun, music, singing and dancing. This film is very cheesy but it makes no apologies for that, it is based on the songs of Abba after all so what do you expect!

The film is set on a Greek Island where the young Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is planning her wedding. The film begins with her posting invites to her wedding to three men, one of whom she hopes is her father, she has found their names in her mothers diary. The three men, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan and Stellan Skarsgard arrive on the island but are not warmly welcomed by Donna (Meryl Streep) who is Sophie's mother. Also arriving on the island are Donnas best friends played by Julie Walters and Christine Baranski to add to the fun. We then have a stag and hen party to liven up things and the question of who is Sophie's father to determine. All the while the songs of Abba are slotted into the plot

It is really funny, I was almost crying with laughter at one point when a whole load of young men start dancing along the pier in big flippers. It's very hard to watch this scene in the film and not to laugh or at least smile. This is certainly a film that will cheer you up if you're feeling down. Its one of those films that you would watch again and again so it's worth buying rather than just renting.

The scenery in the film is amazing, the beautiful sea and the lovely rocky landscapes. Although having watched the special features it becomes obvious that some computer generated effects help enhance the scenery and some of the buildings are actually sets rather than a genuine Greek village scene.

The songs of Abba lend themselves well to this film although some do more than others. Some appear very naturally to fit in to the plot with the first line spoken as if just part of the conversation then the actors burst into song. Others though are more worked or forced into the plot.

The actors really have to be commended for doing this film. It's a brave choice especially as none of them are known for their singing or dancing. Some it has to be said do a better job than others. Meryl does an excellent job and has quite a few numbers to perform, her voice is really good and she really seems to have fun in her dancing numbers really letting herself go.

Pierce Brosnan on the other hand is not the strongest of singers but he tries hard, he sounds much better when the band is behind him but sounds a little shaky when he is singing without the music.

However in my opinion

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