Oh Mamma Mia, It's "Mamma Mia!"

David Edelstein Catches The ABBA Musical, And Lives To Tell The Tale

(CBS)  The ABBA song "SOS," from the just-opened movie "Mamma Mia!," turns out to be appropriate, as our critic David Edelstein is in distress …

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Like many people - billions, it seems - I've always had a soft spot for the songs of the Swedish group ABBA, even though they're sort of like Supremes numbers if the composer and lyricist were lobotomized and the singers learned English phonetically.

They're hits because it takes too much effort to get them out of your head!

No, that's unfair. At their best, in "Take a Chance on Me" and "Dancing Queen," they're ecstatically mindless - transcendental pop.

But hearing ABBA onscreen in a film directed by someone who doesn't know how to direct a film, sung by non-singers and danced by non-dancers, and featuring Meryl Streep trying to look as if she's just having the best time, is like being trapped in a sensory deprivation tank … except the radio is blasting and you can't-make-it-stop.

The movie is set in what travel guides call a "sun-drenched" Greek island, where Streep is a single mom with a golden halo and does so much fake laughing she must have had hits of nitrous oxide between takes.

Golden girl Amanda Seyfried plays her 20-year-old daughter, who's about to get married and wants to know which of the three men her mom had sex with the summer before she was born is her dad. They are Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgaard and Pierce Brosnan, whose voice in song is the closest a human has come to a water buffalo.

None of those ABBA hits have anything to do with the plot: They're generic, shoehorned in, and when the characters sing they don't reveal more of themselves. They become more simple-minded.

Which shouldn't matter, right? It didn't on stage, where you could surrender to the singing and dancing (except the dancing here is jaw-droppingly lame; it's all skipping along cliff paths waving arms).

Amanda Seyfried is a radiant object and can sing. And Streep gives herself to the songs. I saw her do stage musicals in her twenties; she has a good voice and knows how to put it over.

But numbers as terrible as "The Winner Takes It All" require a certain lack of wit that this great actress, try as she might, can't muster.

See "Mamma Mia!" if you're prepared to work very hard to achieve a state of anti-enlightenment.

[dsnygrl49]

We have seen the stage show of Mama Mia 3 times and loved it each time. We went to the movie expecting to be disappointed, but we were surprised. The movie is very well done, and we found added humor in small comments that were not on stage. The beautiful Greek scenery only added to the presentation.

[sc7880]

I saw the movie yesterday and loved it! I went to be entertained and to have fun - if I was looking for enlightenment I would have stayed home! The audience sang and applauded at the end! Lighten up!

[lil_trkr]

If anyone is in a state of anti-enlightenment its Edelstein. As a person as talentless as he is, he shouldn''t be allowed to rate anything especially musical movies.

Mamma Mia is a fun movie that keeps the audience laughing and swinging to all its songs during the movie. Compared to some of the *** movies that have come out lately, movies with violence, *** and death Mamma Via is a breath of fresh air.

Tell Edelstein he missed the mark on this one...

[Kermode]

"But numbers as terrible as "The Winner Takes It All" require a certain lack of wit that this great actress, try as she might, can''t muster. "

Or as some reviewers have said, so brilliant she should get an Oscar for it - i guess it depends on how old bitter and burnt out you are.

[Kermode]

Ooops, sorry about double post.

Funny movie though :)

[cdawson76]

I completely disagree with Edelstein. Did he even see the movie. I thought it was absolutely fabulous. I had seen the musical before and thought the movie added a bit of realism to the story. The cast was great. Who know Meryl Streep had such a fantastic voice and "The winner takes it all" was wonderful. If only I could hit notes like that. Pierce Brosnan might not have the best voice, but he was a nice pick
for that part. All in all, everyone in my theater love it!

[anne02-2009]

I just listen to your review of Mamma Mia. I expeienced Mamma Mia-the movie-;I smiled, laughed, and sang, some of us applauded.The audience did the same. As reported on Sunday Morning; The ecomony is bad, jobs are fading. We all need a place to smile laughed, sing- no brainer-, Mamma Mia did just that. This is what should have been in your review. If someone is looking for a dark deep movie, there are those movies playing. But; for laugh, a song,a good time; its-Mamma Mia!!!

Thank You

[rosiec31]

Shame on you!
I am not sure of Mr. Edelstein''s age, but it might explain how he could be so off the mark about Mamma Mia! I had the pleasure of watching the movie on Friday evening in a very crowded Manhattan theater filled with people who could not help moving and singing to the music, laughing at the "campy" jokes, clapping from time to time, and soaking up the beautiful scenery. The young new female star was a delight to look at and listen to, Meryl Streep continues to show us that she can do anything, and so what if Pierce Brosnan isn''t Mario Lanza! He wasn''t supposed to be. I saw the play as well (loved it) and just loved the movie. It was refreshing, and uplifting to come out of the theater smiling, happy, and singing those ABBA songs for the rest of the evening. I can''t wait to see it again. Mr. Edelstein, you need to work very hard to look beyond your distress and learn how to love life a little more! Mamma Mia!

[mgreene691]

Those who really enjoy Mama Mia are already enlightened to the fact that this is just entertainment. It was fun and sit just shows the scope of the great actress Meryl Streep.

[louisep30]

I am so glad to see so may others disagreed with this reveiw. I saw the movie on Friday with my daughter and sister. All three of us enjoyed the movie. I don''t think anyone goes to this movie expecting to be enlighten. It''s about feeling good and having fun. That Mr. Edelstein couldn''t feel Donna''s pain through the jesters Ms Streep made during The Winner Takes It All is his misfortune. I don''t know about anyone else but it is times like these that I really miss Joel Sigel.

[rojotoo]

I went to see Mamma Mia Friday night. I thought it was the worst movie I''ve ever seen. As David E. said, the singing was bad, Meryl Streep''s HUGE talent is non existent in this movie, and it was painful to sit thru it, which I did as a courtesy to my friend who was really enjoying it. They could not have made Meryl look frumpier or more stringy haired if they tried. It was a total waste of time and money. I''m glad to find an opinion that agrees with mine.

[rosiec31]

Shame on you!
I am not sure of Mr. Edelstein''s age, but it might explain how he could be so off the mark about Mamma Mia! I had the pleasure of watching the movie on Friday evening in a very crowded Manhattan theater filled with people who could not help moving and singing to the music, laughing at the "campy" jokes, clapping from time to time, and soaking up the beautiful scenery. The young new female star was a delight to look at and listen to, Meryl Streep continues to show us that she can do anything, and so what if Pierce Brosnan isn''t Mario Lanza! He wasn''t supposed to be. I saw the play as well (loved it) and just loved the movie. It was refreshing, and uplifting to come out of the theater smiling, happy, and singing those ABBA songs for the rest of the evening. I can''t wait to see it again. Mr. Edelstein, you need to work very hard to look beyond your distress and learn how to love life a little more! Mamma Mia!

[cdfondren]

Only one word comes to mind, idiot!

[auntjo1]

Because Mr. Edelstein couldn''t carry anything positive away with him from this movie is a real pity.
Shame on him. It was certainly a "feel good" movie. Everyone in the film seemed to really be having a good time, and that affected the audience. People in the theater were dancing in their seats and singing along with the music. Unrealistic ... probably, but come on, no more unrealistic than a Journey to the Center of the Earth (in 3D no less) or Wall-e the hero robot. Lighten up Mr. Edelstein. Many many of us thouroughly enjoyed it and droves more will, in spite of your small-minded opinion.

[nathance]

I believe Mr. Edelstein problem is that he thinks too much. ''Anti-enlightenment''? Were you expecting some kind of epiphany from a musical? I''ve been an ABBA fan since the early seventies and have remain loyal for the reason that their music is timeless. For the most part their song are upbeat, fun and have a staying power than even artist today are sampling them for their own works. But I have never looked for a deeper meaning to their music beyond listening to it, or when I went to see Mama Mia on the stage. It''s a cute story with fun music. When you were watching this, were you having some kind of soul-searching, philosophical debate with yourself when you achieved your ''anti-enlightenment''? I''m curious as to what you were looking for in a musical with the name ''Mama Mia'' any way.

[vlhe]

Mamma Mia was delightfully entertaining. Cast perfect. Edelstein was so off the mark with his review that I may turn off his segment from now on, not wanting to spoil my favorite Sunday morning show listening to his seemingly unenlightened babble.
I give Mamma Mia an A and Edelstein a D-.

[jmckee9]

I cannot believe this review! I actually did turn off the television because I had already seen the film and loved it! While the cast may not all be broadway caliber singers, their gusto and excitement is enough to pull the film through - and the Winner Takes it All was pulled off perfectly!

[sistersage]

Edelstein''s review of "Mamma Mia" made me so angry I was screaming at the TV. At last we have a visually beautiful, totally joyful movie to enjoy and this robot of a man pans it!! Where is his heart, has he no emotion? How did the man get his job? Get rid of him. Surely there are many critics looking for jobs. Sadly someone will listen to him and miss out on this wonderful movie. I thought the movie was perfection and that this man should be replaced. I know I will never listen to any more review from Edelstein.

[thomenglish]

I haven''t had as much fun at a movie as I did last night at Mamma Mia. I laughed, cheered, applauded, and yes cried, along with the entire audience. It was evident that the cast had a blast making this film too. I thought it was sheer film making guts for director Phyllida Lloyd to stage the performance of "Winner Takes It All" as a single shot, not to mention the acting chops of a Streep and Brosnan to pull off that 2-3 minute stationary performance; it was a very theatrical move, and it showed great respect to the film audiences'' attention spans, which are usually trusted to last no more than 10-20 seconds per shot. I could go on: the Greek island, the cinematography, the coy but not graphic writing and performances, Amanda Seyfried, and Oh My God, Meryl Streep is in amazing shape!

[janpat499]

Mr. Edelstein, you''re old enough to understand the concept of "class", of being classy. Your review of "ama Mia" lacked class. I felt uncomfortable watching your piece, and was disappointed in you. You have built your career to the point of having some actual power in your area of expertise. I under-stand if you actually felt strongly enough about the poor quality of this film to want to warn the consumer about spending hard-earned money on a ticket. You have the power to warn with class. A simple statement that you''ve seen the movie and wouldn''t recommend spending money on it would have sufficed, and would have been heeded much more than attempting to destroy the movie''s creditability. And, you would have preserved your professionalism and that elusive quality that people our age and older still have - the sense of class. You could have spent the remainder of your spot doing what you do so well - finding what to see or listen to, not what not to see or listen to. Regroup, sir, and regain your perspective, professionalism, and class. I don''t want to watch you expending your effort on pieces like what I watched in surprise this morning. Thank you for your time.

[chewysdad-2009]

We saw it yesterday. We''re going again today. When it comes to the budget theater in several weeks we''ll see it several more times and then we''ll buy it. To the critics who pan this movie: It''s called entertainment, and this movie is the best entertainment in a long time. As for the less than polished choreography, it fits the folksy look of the supporting cast wonderfully. We loved it and loved hearing the young mother and her daughters behind us singing along with every song, talk about ABBA fans! Nice voices too.

[vlvivas]

I was appalled at Mr E''s review of this uplifting, light-hearted, feel-good movie!! I have never written a comment before but the review of this angered me so much I just had to send a comment! I saw this movie on Friday, July 18th when it was first released in my area, with my girlfriends, and again on Saturday with my husband!! Both my husband and I were brought to tears at the story, deliverance of the songs and emotions behind it! In this stressful world of being laid off, high gas and food prices and low income, this comes in the nick of time!! The purpose of going to the movies is to be ''entertained'' and to lose yourself in the entertainment! All my friends, husband and I think Meryl Streep deserves an Academy Award for her performance...as well as the beautiful young woman who played her daughter!! Yes it is true, not all the actors'' singing voices are great but it was so refreshing to be able to have them sing their own songs as opposed to being dubbed in!!! They were ALL delightful, entertaining and even during the movie, the audience sang along to and clapped and moved their bodies to the beat of the music!!!! And ESPECIALLY the ''Dancing Queen'' song where all the ladies danced down the mountainside to the boardwalk by the sea....that was the best!!! This was the most entertaining and feel-good movie I have seen in many a moon!!!! Mr E is apparently missing the point!!!!

[eeglrr]

What side of the bed did Mr. Edelstein get up on? Lighten up! What kind of ''expertise'' does he convey? He has a particular slant on the music he likes and it is evident in his many reviews. The movie was fun, scenery breathtaking, music and dancing wonderful. Meryl Streep and cast were delightful, everyone walked out the movie smiling. It is a musical. Don''t listen to him and enjoy two hours, everyone needs time to laugh, cry and swing to the music.

[karmanofnm]

David, have you lost your mind? I saw Mama Mia yesterday along with 15 other people of all ages. We (each and everyone of us) loved it. I personally haven''t laughed so much in a long time. You need to get out and about, not every person in every show is suppose to be a great singer. Although we all thought they were great!!! What were you thinking when you gave that review? Do you honestly think you are credible enough to do that job? If and when you are on the Sunday Morning show we will all be muting you and do something else until you get OFF. I love the Sunday Morning show and I won''t let your ignorance stop me from watching, we will just mute you.

[rrivolo]

I also have never written a comment but this surely warranties it. I very rarely go to the show as I always wait for the DVD to come out to watch at home. After seeing the trailer I couldn''t wait for the DVD so attended with a large group of "biker women" who actually stood up and clapped at the "Dancing Queen" episode. Shame on you Mr. E! Its so rare that we are entertained by our older film stars doing something fun for people of all ages. Cant wait to buy the DVD.

[gabrielle27-2009]

Wow, what a fun, delightful film...Mr. E, what were you thinking...being cynical at a time like this, it''s not cool, or smart on your behalf. The other comments said it all, but I didn''t want you to think that it''s only a few who feel this way...the whole theatre that I sat with last night, left happier than when they entered the theatre...that''s ''good stuff'' in a world where it''s fashionable to frown. You certainly didn''t enhance your credibility with this review...too bad, because I used to think you had something worthwhile to say and you were insightful enough to ''see'' what the point of something is and to speak to that aspect.
Maybe it''s time to grow up...you''re still collegiate.
But I''ll look forward to watching you mature.

[jfwtucson]

I have hated to go to the movies for years. The crazy costs, the people who spend those crazy costs, just to use that time talking over the movie. The people who bring inappropriately aged children to movies. I could go on. I used to come home from the movies more frustrated than before I went. I stopped going to the movies years ago. Yesterday I needed a break. My husband urged me to go to the movies and I reluctantly went, hoping that the previews of Mamma Mia lived up to the images. By 2 minutes in I knew I was in for a great experience. The audience was "together". We all sang, we laughed, we cried as ONE. I can''t remember a movie going experience as an adult that I enjoyed more. Can some of the main actors sing well, no. Does it matter. NO! The total joy in the movie overshadowed it. Chill out Mr. E and allow yourself to simply have fun. I can''t wait to buy it on DVD and I have already made plans with my friends to go back!

[soleil54]

What is wrong with Mr.Edelstein and all the other critics regarding this movie? Does everything have to have an Al Gore message (like Wall-E)? This movie is good, clean, simple, fun entertainment. It''s the first time since "Rocky" that I''ve heard people applauding after a scene! The theater was full and the audience laughed throughout the film. I don''t believe Ms.Streep was "looking like she was trying to have fun." I thought she was having the time of her life! This was a very enjoyable movie, and as for Pierce Brosnan''s singing voice, I''ll go out and buy the soundtrack just to hear his duet ("When you''re gone") again!!!

[singlesj]

You gotta be kidding!!! This was a great feel good movie. I plan to see it again with my daughter and have ordered the sound track. I was so shocked with the review this am. Go see this movie to treat yourself!

[lapinto1]

I just listened to the review David Edelstein made on Mamma Mia...I saw the movie on opening day, and have not enjoyed a movie as much in years!!What movie was he watching? The entire audience at the theater loved it, singing along,tapping their feet, and actually,applauded at the end of the movie!! I can''t even imagine where his mind was coming from to totally blow out the movie. My husband even enjoyed it, and the audience was a very diversified one,in age,gender,race...The story was good, the singers were good,(I think realistically so) and the dancers, well yeah, they were dancing on real rock, docks, etc, not staged in a pristine theater!!I doubt if Edelstein could keep up with any of them! We all commented on how we liked the way the movie was filmed, he even blew out the makers, as having no talent...perhaps CBS needs a new REVIEWER with some talent in something other than talking through his mouth.....

[moviegoer1]

Mr E must have attended the movie alone. ! The entire show was full of fun laughter and singing and applause.I am sad he went on air to say so many negatitive things. I hope anyone who heard him will disreguard his comments, I know I will in ther future!GO SEE THIS MOVIE

[gypsy19431]

David Edelstein just doesn''t get it. Mamma Mia! was exactly what it was supposed to be. Thank God my family doesn''t listen to critics. We had an immenseley good time. Mr. Edelstein should stick to the types of movies he knows and leave the chick flicks alone.

[loneweaver]

I have to agree with all of you. Mr. E definately did not see the same movie we did. I SOOOOOOO enjoyed this movie. I laughed, I cried, (alot!), and I left happier than I was going in. I had a really bad, BAD day and this movie just lifted me up and in a sense, "gave me wings!"

I couldn''t find one bad thing about this movie. The cast was great and really meshed. The singing and dance scenes were awesome!! I especially loved the end just before the credits, when the gals came out again for another sone and then the 3 "dad''s" came out and joined them for another. It was a total SCREAM!!

Overall, I give this movie 4 1/2 stars out of 5 and dub it a total success. As for this reviewer, David something...I think he needs to lighten up and enjoy life a bit more. You can''s psycho anylize every little thing in life. So, loose up that tie, unbutton that shirt, grab a beer and RELAX Mister!! Then go and see this movie again and then you''ll understand how and why the audience loves it so much!! I smell some Oscar Nominations coming up!!!

[abbafan2]

I was so mad when I saw the review I couldn''t see straight, until I came to my computer and saw that everyone agreed with me and not the , well paid critic that makes his living telling us what to see and enjoy! I couldn''t say it better than the other comments. All I want to add is that I felt "up" the rest of the day after seeing Mamma Mia. It was a movie I could sit and watch with my 75 year old mother and not be embarrassed. It was the first movie she had seen in 15 years and she disagrees with the critic as much as I do. If I am mindless well so be it. I think all day at my job. I need a little mindless time in my life.Pure entertainment!!!! Maybe you don''t think enough when you do your job David E. and you need to be more challenged during a movie!!!!! EVERYONE GO SEE IT!!!

[joanne501]

First, the reviewer should not go to this movie already hating ABBA songs! If you can''t stand the songs, you certainly won''t like the movie!
Yes, there was alot wrong with the movie, actors not right for parts, couldnt sing couldn''t dance I could go on and on BUT I loved the movie, ABBA songs, Greece (that backdrop), Meryl, Pierce and I had a great time, dancing and singing in my seat!. It was so refreshing to walk out of a movie singing /dancing with a smile on my face. In light of this rotten economy, war, housing crisis, food you can''t eat or food you can''t afford, and should I even mention gas. It was wonderful on a hot summer afternoon to travel to Greece and for almost 2 hours, I was there with them. I could almost smell and taste the ocean. The reviewer should go watch his sad, bloody, special effects movie and leave ABBA alone!

[joanne501]

First, the reviewer should not go to this movie already hating ABBA songs! If you can''t stand the songs, you certainly won''t like the movie!
Yes, there was alot wrong with the movie, actors not right for parts, couldnt sing couldn''t dance I could go on and on BUT I loved the movie, ABBA songs, Greece (that backdrop), Meryl, Pierce and I had a great time, dancing and singing in my seat!. It was so refreshing to walk out of a movie singing /dancing with a smile on my face. In light of this rotten economy, war, housing crisis, food you can''t eat or food you can''t afford, and should I even mention gas. It was wonderful on a hot summer afternoon to travel to Greece and for almost 2 hours, I was there with them. I could almost smell and taste the ocean. The reviewer should go watch his sad, bloody, special effects movie and leave ABBA alone!

[knotsewhard]

This was one of the most wonderful feel-good movies I have ever seen. David must have watched with blinders and ear plugs in the whole time. How could someone in their right mind NOT enjoy the carefree spirit that this movie gives the audience? How self-righteous to give such a narrow and negative review of this movie. I can''t wait to see it again and again and especially to own it. Meryl Streep and the whole case outdid themselves. I would much rather see something like this than some overpaid actor/actress spewing 4-letter words and steamy bedroom scenes standing in front of a camera with their memorized lines. I will never pay attention to David''s reviews again!

[joanne501]

First, the reviewer should not go to this movie already hating ABBA songs! If you can''t stand the songs, you certainly won''t like the movie!
Yes, there was alot wrong with the movie, actors not right for parts, couldnt sing couldn''t dance I could go on and on BUT I loved the movie, ABBA songs, Greece (that backdrop), Meryl, Pierce and I had a great time, dancing and singing in my seat!. It was so refreshing to walk out of a movie singing /dancing with a smile on my face. In light of this rotten economy, war, housing crisis, food you can''t eat or food you can''t afford, and should I even mention gas. It was wonderful on a hot summer afternoon to travel to Greece and for almost 2 hours, I was there with them. I could almost smell and taste the ocean. The reviewer should go watch his sad, bloody, speacial effects movie and leave ABBA alone!

[sopheee-2009]

The commenters before me have expressed most of what I felt. I THOROUGHLY enjoyed the experience. What I can add to this forum is that the audience around me was at least as much involved. Some of us even forgot ourselves and began to clap. Are the bad reviews a kind of political thing or chauvenist thing?

[joanne501]

First, the reviewer should not go to this movie already hating ABBA songs! If you can''t stand the songs, you certainly won''t like the movie!
Yes, there was alot wrong with the movie, actors not right for parts, couldnt sing couldn''t dance I could go on and on BUT I loved the movie, ABBA songs, Greece (that backdrop), Meryl, Pierce and I had a great time, dancing and singing in my seat!. It was so refreshing to walk out of a movie singing /dancing with a smile on my face. In light of this rotten economy, war, housing crisis, food you can''t eat or food you can''t afford, and should I even mention gas. It was wonderful on a hot summer afternoon to travel to Greece and for almost 2 hours, I was there with them. I could almost smell and taste the ocean. The reviewer should go watch his sad, bloody, speacial effects movie and leave ABBA alone!

[katrinaland]

Loved, Loved, Loved this movie!!! So did the packed theater both days I saw it. From teenagers, to young adults, to the oldies, we laughed loudly, applauded loudly and said loudly how much we enjoyed this movie. We hated to leave --many didn''t--many have already come back again. I have never attended a movie that had such a joyful and positive response as this one. Believe me--we have been to many movies especially since Katrina. From the reviews that I have read it appears that people all over the world are responding in the same enthusiastic way.

Our family long ago realized we should not pay attention to the critics. Thank goodness the public are disregarding the cynics. I want to thank all those involved in getting the play to our local theater with the wonderful cast, joyful and in some cases, thought provoking music, and the beautiful Greece scenery. I''ve been there and it made me wish I had had more time. It was wonderful to leave the theater in such an uplifted and positive state of mind.

[katc913]

I couldn''t sign up fast enough! I took my 25 year old daughter to see this film we both LOVED it. I loved Meryl, the passion, the singing, the dancing. Mr. E.....can a man really be bitten by a spider and throw webs anywhere he points his hand? Or can a man really fly like a bat??? Its a movie...fantasy, fun, entertainment....not total reality. The reality is that you come across as a man with a chip on his shoulder....lighten up you look like a fool

[movielover4]

How sad that David Edelstein did not appreciate the joyful spirit of the movie. His cruel commentary on the talented actors and their performances lead me to believe he is one of those critics who thinks it''s chic to put down work that is in reality, pure entertainment. It seems he just doesn''t get it. Does he ever have fun?

[movielover4]

How sad that Owen Gleiberman did not appreciate the joyful spirit of the movie. His cruel commentary on the talented actors and their performances lead me to believe he is one of those critics who thinks it''s chic to put down work that is in reality, pure entertainment. It seems he just doesn''t get it. Does he ever have fun?

[movielover4]

FYI - Owen Gleiberman is the critic for Entertainment Weekly. He and David must share the same computer.

[collectjj]

David Edlestein has no business being a movie critic because he has no emotions left in his body. I find it hard to believe that anyone that is still alive could go to Mamma Mia and not come out exhilarated. I go to the movies to be entertained and was I ever!!!!! Mamma Mia is a wonderful movie and I intend to go again in the next few days. Too bad CBS allows such unfair reviews. I think they should reconsider David Edlesteins position at CBS.

[bwingrove25]

JM Singer couldn''t have said it better. I love CBS Sunday morning and I like David Edelstein. But he missed the mark on his review of Mamma Mia. It was the most fun I''ve had at a movie in a long. long time. I''ve seen the play and I have the original cast album, but I still loved the movie: I laughed, I sang along, I would have gotten up and danced if I could. It was just pure fun. Today, with all the depressing news around us --the war in Iraq, rising gas prices, mortgage foresclosures, a struggling economy and the adnaseum analysis of the upcoming presidential election, Mamma Mia is a welcome respite and escape.

[ragnell58]

David,

You didn''t get it, but that is because you have XY chromosomes and not XX. The scene of Dancing Queen was very symbolic. It was a reminder that women should not lose sight of having fun no matter their age and that we are all queens. Stick to the testosterone flicks and let a woman take over the chick flicks. You will never get them.

[elise68]

In spite of David Edelstein''s review of Mamma Mia, I saw the movie. What movie did he see? There was loud applause in the theater as final credits rolled. My eyes were wet from laughing so much. The Abba music was integral to the plot (not! distracting). The actors'' singing voices were charmingly real; Colin Firth''s guitar playing was even authentic. Meryl Streep''s character was especially endearing, and not a Hollywood/glamorous touch to Meryl Streep''s gorgeous hair. The dance numbers were joyous as were all actors'' personalities which seemed to radiate from the screen. I''m buying the movie to watch over and over. I can''t say enough about the quality of this production. And did I mention the incredible scenery that was breathtaking? Movie rating: 10+ .

[mammaof6]

Mr. Edelstein must be related to the couple sitting at the end of our row....the ONLY 2 people in the entire theatre that weren''t laughing, clapping, or singing along. I''m a generation that didn''t even appreciate ABBA as much as we do now because it was soooo much a part of the musical scene of our day - we just took it for granted that EVERYbody loved Waterloo! Mindless??? Why not if it makes you leave all the mindful things of our stressful day? So what if Pierce Brosnan can''t sing - most of us appreciate what chutzpah it took for him to belt out all he had in the midst of others that could carry a tune. I sat in the middle of theatre with teenagers, blue hairs and mostly my age (40ish) and the only ones NOT having a good time (isn''t that what movies are suppose to be....escapism??) were the aforementioned gruesome twosome with no sense of fun. Cheers to a great cast - both the older generation and the fabulous newcomers! Shame on the critics for taking the fun out of a great time.