Frequently Bought Together
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Reviews
From Amazon.co.uk
The delirious sight of Meryl Streep leading a river of multigenerational women singing "Dancing Queen" is one of the high points of Mamma Mia!, the musical built around the songs of the hugely popular pop group ABBA. The plot sets in motion when Sophie (Amanda Seyfried, Mean Girls), daughter of Donna (Streep), sends a letter to three men, inviting them to her wedding--because after reading her mother's diary, she suspects that one of them is her father. When all three arrive at the Greek island where Donna runs a hotel, Donna flips out and finds that passions she thought she'd laid aside are coming back to life. But let's face it, the plot is not the point--it's a ridiculous contrivance that provides an excuse for the characters to sing the massive hits of ABBA. Regrettably, first-time film director Phyllida Lloyd (who directed the original stage production) has drawn over-the-top performances from everyone involved, even Streep; every production number hammers its exuberance into your eyeballs. Which is too bad, because Mamma Mia! is a rarity: A middle-aged love story. The kids start things off, but the story is really about Streep and the three guys (former James Bond Pierce Brosnan, former Mr. Darcy Colin Firth, and Swedish star Stellan Skarsgard), as well as Donna's best friends (Christine Baranski, best known from the TV show Cybill, and Julie Walters, Calendar Girls). It's a romantic comedy aimed at the people who were around when all these songs were new, and that's an age group Hollywood largely ignores. For that alone, Mamma Mia! deserves to find an audience. --Bret Fetzer
Product Description
Mamma Mia! [DVD]
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
320 of 339 people found the following review helpful
By digit
Format:DVD
My wife and I went to see this last week not sure what to expect and we came away really impressed. Objectively, it's a very well crafted film. The songs are used to great effect throughout in reflecting events and building the emotion of the storyline. The particular sequence just before the wedding is an unexpected series of emotional body-blows: I defy anyone with grown-up kids to resist empathising with the feelings being portrayed on screen. It certainly caught me out - middle-aged guy speaking - and my wife (along with numerous others) shed a tear. Streep in particular is wonderfully adept at bringing the lyrics to life. I found myself thinking anew about the meaning of lines from songs I've heard and sung along to many, many times before.
Looked at coldly, without knowing details of their musical 'credentials', the cast list is an unusual combination, but there's no doubt that this particular recipe works terrifically well on screen. To those who criticise Brosnan's singing - I think you've missed the point. This is not just a standard 'musical'. The guys, it seems to me, were chosen mainly for what they could bring to the roles as actors, not as lead singers. At no point before seeing the film was I expecting to be blown away by the guys singing, and at no point during the film did I feel disappointed by it either. Their singing is a delightful facet of their broader characters and far from detracting from the value of the film as a musical, actually makes it so much more enjoyable.
To sum up, I went to see it in ambivalent state of mind, fully prepared to come away with a so-so opinion of it. I have to admit Mamma Mia won me over, and as a result, for the first time in 30 years, we've been to see a film twice. It's an optimistic, life-affirming movie.... Read more ›
Looked at coldly, without knowing details of their musical 'credentials', the cast list is an unusual combination, but there's no doubt that this particular recipe works terrifically well on screen. To those who criticise Brosnan's singing - I think you've missed the point. This is not just a standard 'musical'. The guys, it seems to me, were chosen mainly for what they could bring to the roles as actors, not as lead singers. At no point before seeing the film was I expecting to be blown away by the guys singing, and at no point during the film did I feel disappointed by it either. Their singing is a delightful facet of their broader characters and far from detracting from the value of the film as a musical, actually makes it so much more enjoyable.
To sum up, I went to see it in ambivalent state of mind, fully prepared to come away with a so-so opinion of it. I have to admit Mamma Mia won me over, and as a result, for the first time in 30 years, we've been to see a film twice. It's an optimistic, life-affirming movie.... Read more ›
89 of 100 people found the following review helpful
By M. FAIRLEE
Format:DVD
What can I say about this great film. Mamma Mia! How can you resist it! Fantastic movie. If you've not already seen it, give it a go, it's the best 'feel good' film in a long time. If you've already seen it, then you know what I mean. I received my DVD yesterday and have watched it twice already. Maybe one day I'll get fed up of it, but don't know when!
The film may not be to everyone's taste, but good for most tastes. There's a bit of comedy, romance and sadness, with a good happy ending. Easy to watch too. Lovely setting. The well known stars live up to their reputation by giving a great performance. You don't have to be an Abba fan, but with most Abba tunes, can't help tapping your feet. Overall, a good watchable film.
The gift set was extra special with book and pen, a little souvenir, good for giving as a present.
My seller is recommendable, quick delivery of item, impressive, thank you.
The film may not be to everyone's taste, but good for most tastes. There's a bit of comedy, romance and sadness, with a good happy ending. Easy to watch too. Lovely setting. The well known stars live up to their reputation by giving a great performance. You don't have to be an Abba fan, but with most Abba tunes, can't help tapping your feet. Overall, a good watchable film.
The gift set was extra special with book and pen, a little souvenir, good for giving as a present.
My seller is recommendable, quick delivery of item, impressive, thank you.
148 of 169 people found the following review helpful
By Michelle
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Saw this film last night and thoroughly enjoyed it! Can't remember when I last saw a film at the cinema that had the whole audience buzzing, laughing and smiling by the end of it!
Fantastic cast, especially Meryl Streep and Julie Walters. Glossing over the fact that Pierce Brosnan sounded as though he was trying to sing while being strangled(!), I thought it was wonderful that he, Colin Firth (more eye candy!) and all the other big name cast members were quite happy to make themselves look as ridiculous as possible so that the comedy element wasn't compromised! Certainly looked like they all enjoyed making this film. Pure entertainment from start to finish!
I'd happily go see this again and can't wait for the DVD to come out!
Fantastic cast, especially Meryl Streep and Julie Walters. Glossing over the fact that Pierce Brosnan sounded as though he was trying to sing while being strangled(!), I thought it was wonderful that he, Colin Firth (more eye candy!) and all the other big name cast members were quite happy to make themselves look as ridiculous as possible so that the comedy element wasn't compromised! Certainly looked like they all enjoyed making this film. Pure entertainment from start to finish!
I'd happily go see this again and can't wait for the DVD to come out!
43 of 49 people found the following review helpful
By S. Davies
Format:DVD
I am what you might call a Mamma Mia addict - I saw it five times at the cinema, and am just about to start watching the DVD for the second time since it arrived on Monday. There is a very good reason for it....the film is fantastic! So funny and light-hearted, and even though some of the singing is quite ropey, this only adds to the film's charm. Meryl Streep's rendition of "The Winner Takes It All" is incredible. If you never buy another DVD again, buy this one! (And the gift set with diary, pen and "surprise" is good too!)
20 of 23 people found the following review helpful
By KatesA
Format:Blu-ray
I know quite a few people who walked out but I loved this film! When I went to see it the whole audience were in stitches. Those that don't like it just don't get it. It's all very tongue in cheek! How can anyone comment on the singing - it's not meant to be perfect singing! It's a real girl (and especially Mum and daughter) film. It's what many of us get like after a few glasses of vino and abba! It's totally feel good and there is nothing wrong with loosing up a bit and having a giggle and sing-a-long.
14 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By Bill Ab.
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
From the outset I must say that I am not a big fan of Abba. This DvD was purchased as a Christmas gift for my wife and it was with some reluctance that I sat and watched it with her. To my surprise (and I won't admit this to my wife) I thoroughly enjoyed it. I dislike 'musical' films generally but enjoyed this so much that I would have no hesitation watching it again. I found myself singing along and had a desire to get up and dance. This was a happy, funny film with a feel good factor and happy ending. The sing-a-long facility is a great idea for people like me who can never remember the words of a song. However, if I had to purchase this item again I would only purchase the DvD and not the gift set. Even my wife who is a big fan has found little use for the pen and journal, both of which I feel do not justify the extra cost.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 964 reviews
4.2 out of 5 stars
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Seen it at the cinema
Wanted a DVD to have a party night with some female relatives of all ages. It was a great night with food and drinks of the era
Published 6 hours ago by robinandalf
4.0 out of 5 stars
Feel-good Film!
My husband and I loved the film, but it did state on the cover that it had subtitles which are necessary because my husband is deaf. However the subtitles were not very good. Read more
Published 11 days ago by Mrs Ann Simmons
5.0 out of 5 stars
dvd,
i love this, its brilliant, i can sing along and dont worry bout it, lovely story, and great charecters. i watch it over and over
Published 13 days ago by JOSIE FRANCES
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fab Movie
I went to the cinema to see this and couldn't wait for it to come out on DVD. I have watched it so many times since.
Published 17 days ago by ajcrafts
5.0 out of 5 stars
catchy.
takes me back to the first time I saw abba,and first visit to a greek island.a blast from the past
Published 18 days ago by caseyh
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mamma Mia
Purchased this for my parents! But must admit even as a fairly hardcore rock/metal fan, it has your feet tapping! some of the scenes are hilarious, if you haven't seen it why not?
Published 20 days ago by Clara
4.0 out of 5 stars
Bought as a present!!
Bought as a present for someone who loved the film. What more can one say - its Mamma Mia!!!!! It was well received!!
Published 20 days ago by Happy Grandma
5.0 out of 5 stars
A RIP ROARING 104 MINUTES OF MAGIC
this film is a total work of genius.a whole film based on the abba tunes,with a great story line,and full world famous film stars just up there belting out the tunes and just... Read more
Published 24 days ago by maxlob
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fast dellivery
This has gone all the way to a friend in the Canary Islands. Having two DVD's is a bonus and is very entertaining. Very good value for money, I would recommend it.
Published 28 days ago by Lynn Kendall
5.0 out of 5 stars
mamma
can watch the movie over and over again and always see something I missed last time I watched it great movie
Published 1 month ago by geraldine
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
![[Start the discussion]](http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/02/x-locale/communities/discussion_boards/start-new-discussion-sec._V192198663_.gif){kind=small}
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
