Mamma Mia! Reviews

• Funtrack

  
  By A37PV5GMP2ILJC on 2008-07-25
  This CD is a must-have just for the simple unadulterated pop culture value. This isn't one of those dramatic instrumental soundtracks with titles like "Wedding March" or "The Emperor is Dead", but instead is a lot of fun, especially for people who have grown up singing every word that ABBA ever wrote.
  
  The eighteen songs (17 + hidden track) are all familiar ABBA hits, and you'll find yourself singing along with the likes of Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan, Christine Baranski, Amanda Seyfried and others.
  
  Some of these unlikely songbirds can actually carry a note (albeit not too far), and others will make you smile (You're a brave man Pierce), but there's no denying that this soundtrack would make a great stocking stuffer or just-because gift for your favorite baby boomer.
  
  Tracks not to be missed (whether good or just rather ambitious) are:
  
  "Honey, Honey" - Amanda Seyfried
  
  "Mamma Mia!" - Meryl Streep
  
  "Dancing Queen" - Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski, and Julie Walters
  
  "Our Last Summer" - Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgaard
  
  "Lay All Your Love on Me" - Dominic Cooper and Amanda Seyfried
  
  "Super Trouper" - Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski, and Julie Walters
  
  "SOS" - Pierce Brosnan and Meryl Streep
  
  "Does Your Mother Know" - Christine Baranski and Philip Michael
  
  "Take a Chance on Me" - Julie Walters and Stellan Skarsgaard
  
  "I Have a Dream" / "Thank You for the Music" (Hidden Track) - Amanda Seyfried
  
  
  Buy this for one just for fun
  
  
  
  Amanda Richards, July 24, 2008
  
  
  

• missing a couple of songs from the movie...

  
  By A3VBVES8IYR5ZJ on 2008-07-20
  Had the soundtrack before I saw the movie, and just saw the movie tonight, and off the top of my head, songs that are missing from the soundtrack are: Chiquitita, "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do" (although it plays a very minor role in the film) and Waterloo (sung during the encore performance). Of course, I'd still rather listen to the original flawless Abba recordings than this version, but it does more truly bring back memories of the movie.
  
  

• A Decent Soundtrack

  
  By A3PMEJAYKF3VUC on 2008-07-09
  Many know or are familiar with the music; "Mama Mia!" is all ABBA; fun, whimsical, outright blissful and enjoyable. The question is how does this movie soundtrack hold up? The answer is that it's pretty good. Right off hand, I felt some of the movie versions of these songs were a bit too campy and lacked the hard-to-capture spirit of the original. The songs where Pierce Brosnan sings on made me cringe, really taking me as a listener out of the song and making me feel thankful that he isn't featured on many songs. On the other hand, the Meryl Streep songs are actually really good. Her voice is well suited for the music, playing into the simplicity and able to capture the innocence and vibe of the songs.
  
  For me, stand out tracks are "Our Last Summer", "Dancing Queen", "Lay All Your Love On Me", and the real stand-out on the soundtrack, "The Winner Takes It All" that features Meryl Streep really stretching her vocals. In all, it's an enjoyable soundtrack but it's always hard to rate this and not compare it to the original or even the broadway version. Check it out.
  
  

• SEX******No, SIX, not SEX ****** Yes, 6-STARS for Mamma Mia!

  
  By AO1Z0TQWCRGL4 on 2008-07-22
  One star because it's a sexy comedy, it's a romantic story, it's a musical bonanza, and it's one of the best films for 2008, mark that down. Awards will come.
  
  Star two, for the ABBA music. It is amazing how the writers have used the words of the famous ABBA songs and turned them into the plot and almost the complete story of "Mamma Mia!" Or did they change some of the words to fit the story? If you love ABBA music, this movie is a must. If you don't know about ABBA music, you'll want the DVD and the CD soundtrack by the time you leave the theater.
  
  Star three, for...okay, it's a bit of a chick-flick. Lots of ladies doing a sterling performance. Meryl Streep will have you laughing off the theater seat at times. And Julie Walters and Christine Baranski, conspirators of the older trio of goofy gals are close behind the anticipated award lineup. Streep sings, dances, bounces on a bed, and even caulks with a caulking gun--does it all, and well. A second trio of young girls led by Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), try to out-shine the older trio in performing ABBA songs written likely prior to their birth. They leave the male viewers drooling in their popcorn. Yes, the male stars get their own chance with dancing and music. Regardless of who is the star performer for any given number, you listen and have to sing along, dance, laugh, or at least chuckle while toe tapping.
  
  Star four represents the line dancing, chorus-line, or long pier choreography done first by a large ladies group and later another tune by men pier-dancing in flippers. Both ABBA numbers done over the inviting blue water's edge is worth the price of the movie. If "Mamma Mia!" DVDs were available at the exit door, everyone would be buying a copy on the way out.
  
  Star five is for Greece and the setting for this dream of a wedding, as well as a perfect set for such a fantastic rendezvous with ABBA songs.
  
  Star six is because "Mamma Mia!" has done with ABBA music, what "Yellow Submarine" did with Beatles music. Or because it is the first movie in recent years worth a theater return/rewatch while waiting for the DVD release. Can't wait? Try the soundtrack for appetizers.
  
  

• Great Movie, So Much Fun

  
  By A30G5T2503C8SX on 2008-07-19
  I saw this movie on opening night and I had so much fun watching it. All of the Abba songs that were in the movie were so incredibly well done, and yes Pierce Brosnan can sing. I don't know if I will by this CD or not because I already own the extended version of the broadway Soundtrack, but I am definately going to buy the movie when it comes to DVD. To anyone who saw the movie and loved it and doesn't already own the Broadway CD, get this one. You won't be disappointed.
  
  
• MERYL THE DANCING QUEEN
  By AQRODCIYD7PYX on 2008-07-16
  Meryl Streep is a great American actor and now she has leaped feet-first into musical comedy and she is abba-solutely wonderful. Just by listening to her on this soundtrack it's obvious she is having the time of her life.
  
  The London and Broadway show performed some of the songs as close as possible to ABBA(Dancing Queen-Super Trouper-Voulez-Vous and Mamma Mia)and happily the movie,with a few tweaks,has done the same.
  
  "The Winner Takes It All" one of the few downbeat songs from ABBA does NOT belong in this tissue-thin,somewhat silly story, but Ms Streeps' plaintive and touching rendition MAKES it belong. I am sure Meryl Streep will not be over-looked at Oscar nomination time.
  
  Just when you are about to throw your arms up in exasperation at vocally challenged Pierce Brosnan, he sneaks in with "When All Is Said And Done" and it's not bad at all.
  
  The rest of the cast including Christine Baranski and Julie Walters all join in the fun and here's hoping the movie fleshes out the story-line somewhat.
  
  I kinda missed "Thank You For The Music" but it it a hidden track following "I Have A Dream" but it is performed by Sophie accompanied by a single piano and i can bet the piano player was Benny Andersson.
  
  This CD is hugely satisfying and exuberent and I can't wait to see the movie.
  
  Just a small footnote; Anyone familiar with Meryl Streeps' films may notice the coincidence that the name of her daughter in the story is Sophie.
  
  
• Would have given this 5 stars
  By AIHYQ86N0LP61 on 2008-07-23
  Would have given this 5 stars without a doubt, except for those missing songs!!! I get REALLY tired of these marketing ploys that victimize customers. Now we all know that, in the near future, there will be an expanded edition of the soundtrack with the deleted songs and maybe some incidental music added as inticement. So ABBA fans, Meryl Streep fans, and fans of musical theater will shell out another 15 - 20 bucks to buy it. It angers me!!!
  
  
• Not bad at all
  By A19CFY5EVD16AS on 2008-07-09
  First saw the stage show when it opened in London. Will not tell how many times I've seen it since (somewhat embarassing). Got the film CD today and it is quite good. There are enough new tweaks to keep it fresh and it certainly makes me want to see the film more than I did. Very surprised at how well Meryl Streep sings, and I am not on the "bash Pierce" bandwagon. He does quite well on "When All Is Said And Done." Heck, Bob Dylan can't sing and no one complains. This is a great summer listen.
  
  
• Mamma Mia Soundtrack is finally here, and is well worth the wait
  By A1A1JEZQUFPVID on 2008-07-09
  I received this from Amazon today, I couldn't be more happy with this.. This is a first rate production.. It's every bit as good as the broadway cast album.. The singing is first rate.. Everyone sounds like professional singers.. Love Meryl, Pierce, Collin.. Can't wait to see this movie next week. Why didn't they put waterloo on it, or what about the song from the broadway soundtrack "under attack".. would have loved that one too. But, still a keeper. I Keep listening to it.
  The sound quality is astounding.
  
  
  
• Loved this soundtrack
  By A2VL42NK4NZDMB on 2008-07-19
  I saw the movie the day it opened. The cast had so much fun with the music. If you like Abba it's icing on the cake.
  
  Best cuts:
  'Mama Mia'--Meryl reverts to a giggly hormonal teenager.
  
  'Does You Mother Know'--Christine Baranski makes it a delightful middled-aged woman's anthem.
  
  'Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (a man after midnight)--Amanda Seyfried's sweet voice gives it a naughty little twist. May just become the coming year's signature bachelorette party song.
  
  Downsides:
  
  'Waterloo' isn't included and should have been.
  
  Poor Pierce Bronsan can't sing.
  
  
  
• Fun Soundtrack - Missing Music from the movie
  By A2E49CP196P1Y0 on 2008-07-22
  My major complaint with the CD is that it is missing music from the film - Overture, Chiquitita, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do; - and it can't be because there isn't room on the CD since other CDs are way longer in content. Thank You for the Music is added at the end although it isn't on the index. Take a Chance on Me is also edited down on this recording... inexplicably so. I think part of the reason most of us buy soundtracks is to relive the performance, so why not include the best part of Walters' performance of the song? Still the soundtrack is great for re-experiencing the fun of the film.
  
  As for the review of Brosnan's and Firth's voices - I've seen the stage show at least a half dozen times and there were a couple of guys in those parts who shouldn't have been singing, either. Firth's voice is actually quite sweet and works perfectly for Our Last Summer. Brosnan should have had a better vocal coach (or more training) because there is a bit of braying in there; however, his performance is emotionally committed.
  
  There were some stage numbers missing from the film so naturally they're
  not on the film CD.
  
  
• Mamma Mia, what have they done to ABBA?
  By AUWR5D4GLWG7T on 2008-07-13
  I have seen the stage musical more than a half dozen times. I have loved ABBA music since the 70's and do to this day. What is on this CD does an injustice to both.
  
  How anyone can give this soundtrack a 5 star rating is beyond me. I can only assume they haven't listened to it. Meryl Streep, one of my favourite actors, is bearly passable as a singer. Pierce Brosnan... seriously, who told him he could sing? Better yet, who HIRED him to sing??? "When All is Said and Done" is actually painful to listen to.
  
  I'm sorry, I had such wonderful anticipation for this soundtrack and film. When I heard the casting, I was disappointed, but thought perhaps they all have hidden talents. THEY DON'T! I like pretty much all the actors in this movie; especially Meryl Streep and Colin Firth. But I hope people aren't letting their love and respect for the acting abilities of the many stars of this film, cloud their judgement on just how awful the vocals truly are on this soundtrack.
  
  In their ill-advised box office grab to fill this film with as many big names as possible in lieu of getting actors who can actually sing, the producers may just have ruined the theatrical version of one of the most successful musicals in history.
  
  
• Great Music, great movie
  By A3R90OGE1EACZE on 2008-07-20
  The soundtrack to Momma Mia is very good. Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried have amazing voices. While Peirce Brosnan's voice is not as good he gives it is all (especially in S.O.S) and certainly did not need to be called a water buffalo (someone on a Sunday morning show called him that) Colin Firths voice is not as good, but the soundtrack is very good and the songs are very catchy staying implanted in your mind long after you hear them
  
  
• Magical and marvelous -- at any age
  By A1VGBF6COR3SIA on 2008-08-17
  Though I was never really an ABBA fan, I certainly knew who they were and I knew a few of their songs ("Dancing Queen", "Mamma Mia!", etc.) I knew when MAMMA MIA! hit the stage that it was based on the songs of ABBA but never saw it.
  
  When I saw the movie trailer, though, I thought: This is going to be good. And I promised myself I wouldn't miss it.
  
  I have now seen the film three times (in 10 days); my husband has seen it twice; and my two sons (ages 13 and 10) just saw it with us. And we ALL loved it. (My 10-year-old asked me anxiously, WHILE he was watching it, if we could PLEASE buy the DVD ... the day it comes out!)
  
  It's the first time I've felt joyous in a movie since GREASE in 1978. I'd forgotten that movies were supposed to feel this good -- but MAMMA MIA! reminded me in a rush.
  
  Meanwhile, though, I bought CD to tide me over. And it's WONDERFUL.
  
  I usually have a preference for soundtracks of musicals over Broadway cast recordings, for one reason: The voices aren't always as good, but the orchestrations are usually much richer and fuller (ex: PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, which had a 50-piece orchestra for the show, had a 100-piece orchestra on the soundtrack -- yeah, it DOES make a difference!)
  
  Here the orchestrations stuck close to the ABBA originals, but with, of course, far more voices on the choral numbers. And what amazes me, after playing the CD for over a week (yeah, night and day, just like other reviewers), is that I'm discovering new songs I really love, that I hadn't been as crazy about to start with.
  
  I started out loving "Honey, Honey" (which I'd never heard before -- fantastic!), "Mamma Mia!" and "Dancing Queen" -- now I'm also in love with "Our Last Summer", "Super Trouper" and "Voulez-Vous", with "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" coming in for its own share of my attention.
  
  My sons have added the songs to their mp3 players. My husband insisted I burn him a copy of the CD for his car. I've uploaded the score to my computer and the original CD is in MY car. And though I have a CD changer that holds 6 discs, this is the only one I'm playing ... and I suspect it will be for some time to come.
  
  Meryl Streep has a fine voice, though not a strong one (not surprisingly, as she's not a professional singer). But she does full justice to her songs and dances in the film ... a bravura performance. I love Amanda Seyfried's voice -- she really has a singing future, if she wants one. And Julie Walters and Christine Beransky are terrific. I give Pierce Brosnan major points for doing something he's just not equipped to do, and giving it his best shot. Nice try, Pierce. And the other men, IMO, did just fine.
  
  My only word of caution: If you tend to have an addictive personality, you might want to stay away from this CD. I won't be responsible for the many hours you'll lose singing and dancing along to this wonderful score ... after all, I warned you!
  
  
• Great Chemistry Amongst The Cast And Singing, But for....
  By AKT8TGIT6VVZ5 on 2008-07-30
  Watching this film was a real treat, even if the only sour note is hearing Pierce Brosnan trying to sing alongside Meryl Streep (who can sing well). It's a fun, quite entertaining, soundtrack which pays ample homage to the songwriting genius of the Swedish pop-rock group ABBA. With the notable exception of Brosnan, the rest of the cast can carry a tune, and quite often, very well. My favorite tracks include the title song, Mamma Mia!, sung by Meryl Streep, and Dancing Queen, sung by Streep, Christine Baranski and Julie Walters. The young Amanda Seyfried may be the best singer in the cast; her numbers are among the other musical highlights in this 18 song score. For fans of Mamma Mia! and ABBA, then this is a CD which ought to find its way into their collections.
  
  
• My New Favorite Album! (Be Prepared to Sing Along)
  By A3SI2TB941EZ5M on 2008-08-10
  First off, I am 16 years old and before seeing the movie Mamma Mia, was not familiar with any of ABBA's songs except for Mamma Mia and Dancing Queen. I loved everything about the film from start to finish: the cast, setting, plot, and, of course, the catchy songs that can make 40 year old men want to sing along! I immediately went home and bought the whole CD, listening to it repeatedly. I adore each and every song, and the whole CD deserves to be purchased, not just certain songs. Amanda Seyfried, who is virtually unknown except for Mean Girls, has a simply beautiful voice. Although in interviews she said that she does not plan on pursuing a career in singing, I believe that she would be very successful if she did. I loved every single song she sang on the album, and am stunned that "The Name of the Game" was omitted from the movie. Meryl Streep proved that she can really do anything. Her voice is amazing. Anyone who says otherwise is just wrong. She brings so much emotion to the piece "The Winner Takes it All." It's simply breathtaking. Contradicting many other reviews, I thought all three men (Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgard) have wonderful voices. People keep saying that Pierce sounds horrible, but I don't know how they are making that assertion. He sings "SOS" and "When All is Said and Done" terrifically, in my opinion. Finally, Christine Baranski and Julie Walters harmonized perfectly with Meryl Streep in songs like "Super Trouper" and "Dancing Queen." Christine Baranski nails "Does Your Mother Know" and Julie Walters hits home with "Take a Chance on Me."
  My Favorite songs from the album:
  Honey, Honey
  Mamma Mia
  Dancing Queen
  The Name of the Game
  Slipping Through my Fingers (although not mentioned by many other reviewers, this has to be in my top 3 favorites. The song is really sad and moving, especially in the film--and the segment where Meryl and Amanda harmonize is outstanding)
  Does Your Mother Know
  SOS (LOVE IT)
  The Winner Takes it All
  I Have a Dream
  Thank You for the Music (perfect completion to the album)
  
  
• Pierce can too sing!
  By A2MCK6WPAG00QH on 2008-07-20
  The music is really very good.
  
  As to Pierce, well, I know it is totally subjective but I liked his singing. It wasn't big time belting it out like the girls but his singing but clear and on pitch. I like it. Way to go Pierce.
  
  
  
  
• Come On People
  By A2RA6ZW2BH85H5 on 2008-07-21
  Let's get real folks. This is not a great movie. Although Meryl Streep and the supporting cast are great fun, let's talk about some things that were not so great. First off Pierce Brosnan's singing sounds like a rake running across a chalkboard. He can't sing; bottom line. I actually cringed. Next let's mention the fact that they break out into song and it had nothing to do with the storyline. On the stage it works, but in a big screen setting it doesn't and it left me saying....HUH??? Lastly, who choreographed this film, some cheerleader who didn't make the team? It looked like the Macarena on steroids. Although I admit that the soundtrack is great, it's better than the film was. Can we say straight to DVD???
  
  
• Stunning!!!
  By A24N1BAS3CU27H on 2008-07-26
  I am such a fan of ABBA, was at the Leicester Square premiere of the Mamma Mia! movie (where I got to see Benny & Björn, as well as the stars of the movie), and only last weekend went to see the musical at the theater (thank you Meka!). It far exceeded my expectations, and everyone was singing along to the songs, especially at the finale.
  
  That is what this CD will have you doing, singing along in your best ABBA impersonation. First thing I noticed (I haven't seen the movie yet) was the omission of songs like "Knowing me, knowing you", "One of us", "Waterloo", "Chiquitita", "Under attack" (from the dream sequence), and "I do I do I do" (from the wedding scene).
  
  Every other song apears to be here, and I must say the movie actors do a very good job, Meryl Streep especially. Most of the songs stay faithful to the original arrangements (Benny & Björn were on board to ensure that) but a few songs have some slight twists, like the very theatrical ending to "Dancing queen", the ballad treatment of "The winner takes it all" (fantastic performance by Meryl Streep during a showstopping scene with the beats kicking in at the last chorus), the delicate piano version of "Thank you for the music" (Amanda Seyfried in a winning performance), and the slight reworking lyrics of songs like "Our last summer" and "Lay all your love on me" to fit in with the story (as well as gender roles).
  
  Standout to me has got to be Pierce Brosnan's Sinatra-style crooning to a superb acoustic version of "When all is said and done". Amazingly, despite the songs having being written between 1974 and 1983, they fit into the story so well, you'd swear they were written with the play/movie in mind.
  
  Of course there's nothing quite like the originals, hence the 4 stars, but still this is a great album and I'm glad I got it. It brings back such wonderful memories of ABBA, as well as of the musical.
  
  
  
  
• Mamma Mia Brings Back Vassar with Meryl
  By A1C8E1Z28GQ5B3 on 2008-07-20
  I first heard Meryl sing in an operetta at Vassar my freshman year during Christmas House Parties weekend. She was playing cards with three other classmates, and they were all wearing period costumes, including sky-high white wigs. In watching "Mamma Mia!", it looks like the Fountain of Youth gushing up from the cracked patio, worked. It was like no time had passed. Didn't she look great? So, I wasn't surprised when Brosnan got down on one knee--who wouldn't? And she can still do the splits from her high school cheerleading days! It was the only film of hers in which I cried--during the mother/daughter scene when the daughter asked Meryl to give her away. I couldn't believe I was crying during a comedic musical! If Meryl reads this, she should know that at the end of the film when she asked the audience if they wanted more, all the guys in the movie theater, shouted, "Yeah!" at the screen. Go, girl!
  
  
• Fun movie, great music
  By ATKK7850YKQBV on 2008-07-21
  I must admit to being surprised at the quality of the voices as displayed by the all-star cast--well, for the most part. The female voices were excellent. It didn't appear to be a requirement that the male leads be able to sing (well). Although they were OK. I have a whole new appreciation for the song WINNER TAKES IT ALL after seeing Le Streep's intensely emotional rendition/performance. The major disappointment is that the song WATERLOO was not included on the CD. I saw the the musical on Broadway. Personally, I think it works better on the stage; however, it really comes down to your opinion of ABBA's music. I thought it was all great fun and have listened to the soundtrack a couple of times today.
  
  
• Surprisingly great fun!
  By A14MNN3L3WSEBU on 2008-07-21
  We were kind of hijacked into seeing this film by friends who saw it opening night. We were up for an adventure, so what the hey? We ended up happy because this was a truly "feel good" movie. If you haven't seen the movie, the soundtrack may seem weak in the male vocal department; you'll probably be happier with the greatest hits of ABBA or the original broadway soundtrack. But after seeing the movie, this soundtrack brings back all the good feelings you had walking out of the theatre. My husband and I were not particularly ABBA fans then or now, but we really liked this flick, and he TOLD me to find the soundtrack! (Caution: your experience may vary)
  
  Don't be fooled by the critics. They are the realists who have no imagination. This is entertaining the way that other sleeper "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" was, and critics didn't think much of that flick either.
  
  If you want to download the best, most differing from the original ABBA version, get "The Winner Takes it All." Talk about putting emotion in the lyrics! That Streep can act!
  
  
• Great Music - Great Movie!!!!!!
  By A26ICVGNHUSRNX on 2008-07-21
  I saw the movie on opening night and I still am enjoying it with the soundtrack!!!!! Awesome music. One of the funnest, funniest and joyous times I've had in a looooooooooooooog time. The music just keeps the joy alive and fresh. If you are feeling down or just want some good clean fun - this movie and music is for you!
  
  
  
  
• A Fun and Pleasing Soundtrack!
  By A2WFNZWC8O6O1J on 2008-07-21
  I have not seen the stage version or the movie yet, but I saw the trailer, listened to some samples, read a bit, and bought the CD.
  I loved every minute of it! All of the actors were great singers.
  
  Meryl Streep was a HUGE surprise. She completely blew me away with her OUTSTANDING vocal skills.
  
  Amanda Seyfried is inspired and great. What else can you say? It seems like she puts no effort into her songs. Her voice must be just naturally beautiful.
  
  Colin Firth and Stellan Skasgaard did well on OUR LAST SUMMER.
  
  Julie Walters is great on TAKE A CHANCE ON ME, and Christine Baranski was (surprisingly) wonderful on DOES YOUR MOTHER KNOW (what a fun song!)
  
  Now comes the big controversy. Pierce Brosnan. Almost every review I've read critisizes Pierce and his singing. Well, I'm not a Pierce basher. Though it's apparent that he isn't a professional singer, he does an exceptional job in his three songs: OUR LAST SUMMER, S.O.S., and WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE. He can carry a pitch and tune very well.
  
  This music had be singing along within seconds. I'm sure I'll be tempted to sing and dance in the theatre aisles when I see the movie. I can't wait.
  
  
• Tapping My Feet All Day Long!
  By AGMT04E5E1WID on 2008-07-25
  Whenever I listen to the soundtrack it puts a smile on my face! Brings back memories from the movie, and Meryl and Amanda have really good voices. I just wish that the song Chiquitita was on the soundtrack. I highly recommend buying this soundtrack.
  
  
• The Real Deal
  By A28BMOWU271POW on 2008-07-30
  Was dragged to the cinema by my wife, thought this was just a soppy woman`s film. I was wrong, I really enjoyed it and some of the musical scenes were a joy, kept catching my self foot tapping on the floor. I thought ALL the cast sang well, the dance sequences were excellent. I have never seen a cinema audience so reluctant to leave after the film was finished. The encore at the end was great fun.
  Now in the process of downloading the soundtrack - even if it is missing a couple of songs.
  
  Thi reminded me of a couple of the old "There is no Business Like Show Business Era.
  
  Brian Valente
  
  
• I dare you not to sing along!
  By AO2Z6SCI5TDBJ on 2008-08-01
  I dare anyone of a "certain age" not to sing along and dance, and for anyone else not to want to dance!
  
  A joyous and colorful movie (anybody want to go to Greece soon?) Meryl Streep has more energy and presence than any 20-something pop star. Christine Baranksi is a miracle. Julie Walters is so funny and has one of the best numbers.
  
  Pierce Brosnan couldn't sing his way out of a paper bag, but he gives it his all. Colin Firth...oh, my, oh, my, oh, my.
  
  Go the movie on a crowded Saturday night, and whatever you do, DO NOT leave until the movie is really, really over!
  
  
• An Experiment Gone Wrong : Just Wasn't For Me
  By A2ULSA0IRUE09E on 2008-09-18
  Remember how sometimes you find yourself in a situation where everyone seems to be raving about the 'latest rage' only you just can't 'get it'. Well, thats the case with this new CD and the effect it had on me. I like Abba, I guess. Like most people I know most of their tunes and some of them have aged quite well. But I don't own a single album by them, nor do they feature on my Ipod.
  
  Thats why "Mamma Mia" probably wasn't interesting to me. It sounded overproduced, overwrought, and whoever thought Meryl Streep singing these songs was a good idea needs a trip to the surgeon immediately. Meryl has always had a lovely voice (try her closing number in "Postcards from the Edge", and her stunning opener in "Death Becomes Her" - all in her own voice), but here she sounds awfully lifeless.
  
  In the end, all these tunes are like play-by-numbers faithful remakes of the originals, only with more production and far less charm. The young actress, Amanda Seyfried, has an especially horrendous singing voice. The mass-market quality of opening number "Honey Honey" is rather nerve-wracking, and my 'favorite' Abba track, if you can call it that - "Take a Chance on Me" was butchered further down in the tracklisting.
  
  Of course, I'm in the minority here. Most people love Abba, and I can see why this is getting rave reviews, but as a standalone CD for a non-Abba fan, there is hardly anything here that appealed to me. Just my two cents.
  
  
  
  
• INCOMPLETE!!!!
  By A6S18WW4D7OOB on 2008-07-11
  I saw the movie at a pre-release screening and had a blast. Bought the soundstrack and was SHOCKED that the closing credits songs were NOT included! Where is Meryl Streep singing "Waterloo"?? There IS a hidden track on the CD, but that is not it.
  
  
• Jump up and dance and sing at the movies!
  By A2GUKNYOK0C3BE on 2008-07-20
  I can't remember the last movie I saw that my face was tired from smiling and I wished they had seat belts on the movie theater seats because I was twitching to jump up and dance and sing. I thought the movie and the soundtrack were both terrific! And oh, to relive this era....
  The theater production has not been in my town, but I'm planning to go to Vegas to see it!
  PS. I would describe as a chick flick. The only part my guy would have liked was the last scene with the guys and their 70's dance moves - that's because that's how my guy still dances!
  
  

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