'Mamma Mia!' a dash of summer fun

By Sara Anderson

August 4, 2008 | The light-hearted summer movie musical Mamma Mia! is perfect for best girl-friends, mothers and daughters and anyone else looking to have a carefree night on the beach.

Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is getting ready to marry the love of her life when she discovers the diary her mother, Donna (Meryl Streep), kept while she was pregnant with Sophie.

Sophie learns she has three possible fathers. Behind her mother's back Sophie invites all three men to her wedding on the Greek island she was raised. The three men, Bill, Harry and Sam, played by Stellen Skarsgard, Colin Firth and Pierce Brosnan, accept the invitation unaware of Sophie's plan to learn who her real father is. When Donna realizes all three of her past loves are on the island she turns to her two best friends, Rosie (Julie Walters) and Tanya (Christine Baranski). The three best friends are a hilarious trio and even had their own pop-band, Donna and Dynamos. The group reunites for the special occasion and gives a sparkling performance.

Seyfried and Streep do an outstanding job. Seyfried's angelic voice makes you believe in the magic of the show.

Streep belts out ballads -- songs are from the songbook of 1970s band ABBA -- that are surprisingly moving. However, Brosnan should stick to 007 and skip the musicals. The dancing is cheesy and over the top but somehow fits the mood of the movie. With beautiful scenery the movie is full of sparkling waters and sunshine. Having fun is the main plot of the movie and don't expect much more than that.

Special thanks to University 6

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