MAMMA MIA: MIDDLE AGE ROCKS!

Okay...I thought the advertisements looked enticing. Greek coast, fluff story and romping ABBA music. But you know the drill, movies are never as good as the stage show and I had seen the original stage production in London with my son, New Years Day 2001. Left to my own devices, I would probably have taken a pass. Fortunately, that was not to be. My son gave me movie tickets for opening day! He even went and purchased them for the theater and time of my choosing. So the stage was set.....so to speak.

With another middle aged mom in tow, we were off to see MAMMA MIA. The theater was almost full with what appeared to be "seasoned' viewers like ourselves. I couldn't believe that ABBA had this many fans or that the audience had seen a stage version. They must have been here for the scenery.

Certainly, the scenery does not disappoint. In fact, I'll bet tourism in Greece increases tenfold because of this film. So we have the GORGEOUS scenery, but surprise, surprise, is the cast. From the opening prologue, "I Have A Dream," to the foot stomping finale, "Waterloo," the cast delivers and makes our hearts light, happy and even sing. Try hard not to get caught up in the infectious rhythm. You'd have to be a die hard snob or just plain dead. Suspend all reality. When Pierce Brosnan opens his mouth and sings...at first it doesn't compute...but then I let it go and just enjoy. Meryl Streep is having the time of her life in the lead role. Many years before our eyes have earned her the right to risk critical shame and have some fun. And fun she has. Backed up by Julie Walters and Christine Baranski, actresses of equal critical acclaim, the three toss all shame to the wind and really rock. Thank you ladies. Middle age is alive, well and still rock'n after all these years. The movie really picks up when they rip into "Dancing Queen" and the frolic of all the island women along the craggy coastline has the audience applauding. It may seem like silly ladies liberation but it speaks volumes. Watch for those "Dancing Queen" tee shirts in the holiday catalogs!

Same goes for the men. Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard. All seasoned professionals secure in themselves and careers to take the risk of performing in this movie. And they succeed. Not only was I having fun watching them, I kept thinking they must of had fun making this movie.

Sweet Amanda Seyfried more then holds her own against this star studded cast. Natural, unaffected, perfect.

What I'm really writing about here is our need for fun, laughter and silliness. In this day of uncontrollable gas and food prices, fuel costs that will leave many Northerners frigid for the winter and a less then inspiring political situation in our country, WE NEED TO LAUGH AND FEEL GOOD ABOUT SOMETHING.

MAMMA MIA delivers feeling good. Just as the music of ABBA did in the 70's, it does today. It puts a rhythm in our soul and makes us want to toss all concerns to the wind and dance. Thank you to ABBA for the enduring music, the star studded cast of the movie for "taking a chance" and to my son Selby, for knowing what's best for me.....sometimes!
Selby, thank you for the laughter.

Love, MOM