Damien at the Speed of Life

ABBA show at Mama Mia premiere

I just got back from watching Mamma Mia, the musical adapted to the silver screen. My wife has now seen it 3 times and I decided to go and see what the hoopla was all about. Guess what, it’s warranted. This was one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time. Yes, it was a musical but it was done with so much respect for the music of Abba that is was better than any video on MTV could have ever been.

Meryl Steep does a stellar job as Donna, the mother. The main character, Sophie is played also very well by a relative newcomer named Amanda Seyfried. They are perfect mother daughter match and they sing ABBA songs great! The highlight of the musical acting is through the song: “The Winner Takes it All.” It is such a universal emotion embodied in that song. I related with loss and letting go. I hate to admit this, but I teared up a little like my wife predicted I would. If you see it, focus on that song, I think you’ll agree they knock that one out of the park.

Collin Firth plays one of the dads vying for mother and daughter’s affection. He is hilarious when he reveals he is gay and when he plays the guitar (and I can attest because I play) he is really playing. He forms the chords which is very rare in movies where people play instruments. Another highlight is when Pierce Brosnan, playing another of the men Sam Carmichael, belts out the classic “SOS.”

Mama Mia is a celebration of life and I loved it. A big thumbs up for anyone who loves life, love, and/or ABBA because in my view they are all one in the same.