Synopsis
As Sophie prepares for her wedding, she secretly invites three men (Sam, Bill and Harry) from her mother’s past, hoping to discover which one of them is her father.
My Thoughts
I have probably watched this movie about 20 times, and I am not even exaggerating. It is easily one of my favourite movies of all time, and without a doubt my favourite musical film.
There’s just something about it that never gets old. It feels like no matter where we are at in life, something about the film just resonates. We can just put the movie on, sit back, relax and sing our hearts out and all of our worries fade away.
This 2008 musical rom-com, directed by Phyllida Lloyd, is based on the 1999 Mamma Mia musical. I personally haven’t seen the live musical yet, but honestly the film more than makes up for it.
One of the best parts about the film is how it brings ABBA’s music to life in such a fun and chaotic way. Whilst I did grow up hearing some of their music, this movie was the introduction most people got to their songs and their vibe, bringing it to a whole new generation.
The plot is chaotic and a little cheesy at times, but that is exactly what makes it so fun. Just when you think something serious is happening, they break out into song, and you cant help but get up and sing and dance along with them.
This film is jam packed with some of the biggest stars of the last couple decades, including Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Amanda Seyfried, Colin Firth, Julie Walters, Christine Baranski and Stellan Skarsgard.
They’re not known for being singers, but that almost makes it better. We are seeing them in a whole new light, it feels fun, slightly messy, and like they’re genuinely enjoying it.
Mamma Mia is such a comfort movie for me, especially in my early 20s I feel as if I can connect to Sophie (not just because of our similar names) but also because she is young, trying to figure things out, with her best friends and her mum by her side.
The relationship between mother and daughter is something that I really connect to. My mum actually introduced me to this film when I was younger, and now whenever I watch it, it reminds me of that.
It’s kind of amazing as well that these songs from the 70s are still so loved today. It just has these feelings of love, and optimism and hope they everything will be ok. And I am of the belief that this movie stays with you and can continue to connect with you no matter what point you are in life, whether youre in your 20s like Sophie or in your 50s like Donna, you connect to different parts of the story which is what has made it stay so relevant for so many years.
I watch this movie whenever I am in a rut, or feeling sad and just need something to lift my spirits, and it never disappoints. I end up singing along to every single song, and by the end of the movie, nothing feels quite as bad as it did before. I mean, singing along to Dancing queen and Take a Chance on Me is just unmatched!
The original songs are amazing, don’t get me wrong. But these new adaptations just have an extra level of life to them, like an extra level of joy and youth that makes you just want to get up and dance.
If you love to sing and dance along to a movie, and you are looking for a light, feel-good romantic comedy film that ticks those boxes, then this movie is definitely for you.
Rating:
Have you seen Mamma Mia!? What did you think?
Talk soon,
–Soph xx