Oh Mama Mia!

I may not have catch any previous musicals, films or plays related to Mama Mia or featuring any Abba songs but that definitely didn't stop me from liking this one and enjoying it thoroughly. It was just one of those musical flicks that is so unbashedly cute and likeable that just makes you want to sing along with every song right to the end.

The plot couldn't have been simpler, a wistful 20-yr old daughter, Sophie, secetly invites 3 of her mom, Donna's ex-lovers, Bill, Harry & Sam to her wedding with hopes that she can find out who her real father is. It seems that Donna has quite wild and unforgettable time with each 1 of the trio in her younger days and Sophie's dad might just be any1 of them, if only they could just go for a DNA test and save all the trouble (sigh...)

Hilarity ensues of course, in typical musical-comedy fashion, and dialogue graually turn into songs as characters sings and prances around the little island which the whole story takes place on. Abba classics such as Dancing Queen, Super TRouper, The Winner Takes It All and of course, the main theme, Mama Mia are belt out with relish by a commendable cast who did their very best, and have thankfully succeeded, not only in not murdering any of Abba's original tracks, but even managing to do a wonderful job, considering that most of them are not actual singers or have any musical background (except perhaps Meryl Streep?)

It's a good thing that most of the A-List cast can sing, especially so for the leading ladies, while the guys have to a take a back seat in this area although they definitely have no problem flexing their acting chops in the comedy scene. Amanda proves that she isn't just a pretty face by flexing her singing abilities in songs such as I have A Dream, Gime Gime & Honey Honey. Possssing a sweet and pure voice, you might just see her debut album (not counting this movie OST) coming out soon.

Meryl Streep is also one remarkable lady that you will never get tired of watching on the big screen, no matter how many times you've seen her in the movies of your life. Her acting abilities are definitely not to be doubted, from the number of award winning performances garnered but as for her singing? She does it as well, and very well indeed, she has done it. The fiesty lady has exuberate so much of energy as the fun-loving, emotional and sometimes wacky Donna that you will be tempted to get up from your seat and join her and her parade of crazy but good-natured friends into a series of ensued hilarity and silliness as they sing and dances like there is no tomorrow.

For those who say she can't sing, that she should be doing things her age and return to what she normally does best, that she is embarassing herself by even appearing in this flick, I would gladly ask you to shut up and take singing lessons instead. She sings beautifully and her voice (on top of her acting), will be what you remembers of her down the years ahead even as she moves on to other different roles. Her acting abiliities are beyond versatile and by appearing in Mama Mia, she has only proven that once again, no role is too difficult for her to carry out.

Just like Step Up 2, which is a movie about good dancing, this is a movie about good music being played tribute to by talented actors and actresses. As much as nobody will ever live up to the same performance standard of the original ABBA,  you will definitely enjoy this if you like ABBA's music....

A spectaular scene whereby Donna, friends & company sings and dances to Dancing Queen as they shashayed down the moutain past the rivers...