My thoughts on MAMMA MIA! — Page 3

I went expecting fluff and fantasy and I got exactly what I paid for. I can get that people didn't like it, but if they didn't like it because they were expecting that Meryl Streep's presence was going to elevate it to the level of Ibsen or something pretty confound me.

I DID the direction was pretty drecky, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment. Neither did the fact that someone should have reigned in Meryl's wig and ordered a retake for "The Winner Takes It All."

There are a lot of funny comments here, but I'll just pick out one because it's so passionate in saying the same thing several are saying:

"This film is practically a test of camp levels: if you can stand it, you have a high tolerance for camp, and good for you."

My only question is -- have you never heard of Mama Mia? Have you never heard of ABBA? Have you never seen the stage show? Have you never heard anything about it? Anyone going to Mama Mia and being turned off by the fact that it is camp and you need a high tolerance (or even appreciation -gasp) for camp, must have been living under a rock for the last 15 years or so. What on earth should the movie be if NOT a high level of camp.

Sorry, I just found that observation to be hysterically funny. Like someone going to a football game and saying "I can't believe it. Anyone going must have to LIKE sports." Duh?

The movie is far from great art, but it was fun. Other than Brosnan's attempt to sing (and he's better singing with Meryl Streep than his solo turns), it was't bad.

Is Christine Baranski having fun or what?

And I thought Amanda Seyfried was excellent as Sophie.

I enjoyed it. I didn't expect anything more from it.

I should probably know this, but what do you all mean by "camp"? Sorry!

OK, since I got a double post by accident, here is the answer to the question about the definition of "camp":

"something that provides sophisticated, knowing amusement, as by virtue of its being artlessly mannered or stylized, self-consciously artificial and extravagant, or teasingly ingenuous and sentimental."

Updated On: 7/28/08 at 01:49 PM

I just saw the movie today. I have not seen the stage production, although I wanted to but never got the chance. It is what it is. It is an entertaining, feel good, fun show for the actors as well as the audience. I can see the stage show being that as well. I thought the insertion of Amanda Seyfried singing the song "Thank you for the Music" in the ending titles was a great idea. It showed that she does have a good voice. I like the idea of just singing with the piano like the track that is on "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" cast album with Sherie Rene Scott doing "Nothing is Too Wonderful to be True." That is what I was reminded of.