www.abba4ever.com

merton - 10.07.2008, 13:30

I saw Mamma Mia the Movie tonight, opening night here in New Zealand.

Don't want to spoil it too much for others, but will say I thoroughly enjoyed it. When it first started I thought, oh, it is very like the stage musical, but gradually one notices all the differences and the extra things done which make it rather fabulous in my opinion.

Meryl Streep is once again superb. I like her version of the Winner Takes It All very much though it is best enjoyed when seen rather than just heard because she "acts" it so well with wonderful facial expressions etc - her face tells the story as much as the words she sings. Beautifully "staged" against the scenery too..

Amanda Seyfried has a wonderful voice, and the "best" voice in the cast but Meryl does a lovely wistful version of Slipping Through My Fingers.

All the other actors - even though not known as singers - do very well. It doesn't matter to me that they perhaps aren't the world's greatest singers. I feel it would have been a mistake to make the singing over-slick. ........ Actors like Pierce, Colin and Stellan may not be the next Andrea Bocelli or Michael Buble etc but that makes them and their performances all the more endearing - because we can relate to their versions just like our own in the shower, bedroom, kitchen, car, party wherever. By using regular (though somewhat coached) voices, they keep that close connection to Mamma Mia's target audience - the general population rather than some elitist group.

[Not sure if I've quite explained what I mean but it's late]

On that "note", some of the best musical surprises for me included Lay All Your Love On Me and SOS shared between two singers and also a rather interesting version of When All Is Said And Done. Strangely, in contrast to the Winner, I almost feel this song is better heard without the visuals, on the soundtrack. It's a very interesting version and so poignant.

Dancing Queen remains the musical equivalent of 'heaven'. I came out of the movie uplifted of course, but also a little sad, even teary-eyed like Meryl Streep perhaps reflecting on those "funny tricks of time", thinking about how the Abba era was indeed a special period, when I was younger and the world seemed a little less serious and a little more fun.


Merton :arrow: :wink:

Magdalena - 10.07.2008, 14:11
Re: Your Mamma Mia! The Movie Experience.
welshabbalover wrote: I'll be going to see it tomorrow morning..and to celebrate the occasion, I made a top to wear (Not forgetting that without ABBA, There'd be no Movie etc :wink: );

http://img170.imageshack.us/my.php?image=teegq6.jpg

Samy! Cool T-shirt :-) I like it very much :thumbup: I've got the soundtrack - and I'm waiting to see the Polish premiere :-)

Or maybe I'll go to Beerlin ;-) Johnny, is the movie dubbed?

Magdalena - 10.07.2008, 14:29
Re: Your Mamma Mia! The Movie Experience.
johnny59 wrote: I don't know, haven't seen it. But as far as I know German habits, I fear it indeed is. :roll: The songs will be original though, I guess.

Oh... Thanks, Johnny. Well, I'll prepare myself for that by making this AC/DC-like ABBA T-shirt ;-)

johnny59 - 10.07.2008, 20:35

merton wrote: Hey Johnny, definitely you could have applied :blob1:

I reckon the Pierce, Stellan, Colin roles are Everyman roles!

Everyman roles. Thanks for your confidence. I'm honoured.
:rotfl2:

platobird - 10.07.2008, 21:01

johnny59 wrote: I sometimes sing in the shower and I definitely sing duets with Agnetha in the car...
Keep practicing, when Agnetha and Frida begin their new group, they'll be looking for backup singers. :lol:

johnny59 wrote: But as far as I know German habits, I fear it indeed is. [dubbed]
Subtitles are probably better than dubbing. At least you hear the original actors voice. I think English is pretty widespread across Germany; fortunate for me because I didn't take my high school German class seriously. :cry:

welshabbalover - 11.07.2008, 01:24

Gunnar wrote: The castalbum is the bestMM! so far.

I saw the film on it's Oslo-premiere last night and tonight!

I absolutely adore it, and I'm going to see it loads more..... run to the cinemas folks!

Oscar for Meryl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:-) Gunnar

I agree with every single word.
I saw it again tonight....OH MY GOD HOW IT WAS BETTER!!

I am on SUCH a high I can't really think etc...my review etc will come soon, I promise :P

Samy

platobird - 11.07.2008, 01:47

Gunnar wrote: I saw the film on it's Oslo-premiere last night and tonight!
Was it all in English? :?:

merton - 11.07.2008, 09:07

Thanks Maxi-Saxi, let us know what you think, especially about the laugh Pierce Brosnan got from the audience I was in (see my other thread) when he started to sing SOS. I'm curious to know if other audiences react the same!

Angeleyes - 11.07.2008, 11:03

Polargirl wrote: I think the movie is way better than the stage production. You're right, the movie is much more fun to see. :lol:

Meryl did a good job with singing, not to compare with Agnetha's voice (and don't dare to do that!:wink: ), but she can put emotion into her songs as well! I cried and laughed during the film, it's soooo beautiful and fun.
Sooner or later I will see this movie again! :D

Polargirl - 11.07.2008, 13:04

I like the album too. Especially Slipping Through My Fingers.
Enjoy it Ulla! :D

merton - 11.07.2008, 21:12

I had reservations about Meryl Streep too. It must have been especially challenging for the actors to try to break through the natural labelling that the audiences had about them, that most of them are not singers and that people wouldn't take them seriously.

For me her voice had an almost country twang in it which reminded me of when she sang in Postcards On The Edge but when she sang softly it was very pretty and poignant (as in Slipping Through My Fingers and Winner Takes It All).

I've seen the stage show many times but must have forgotten how physical the role was for her apart from anything else. Or maybe they did actually give her more jumping about to do.

Also, I really liked the way they handled Our Last Summer. More poignancy

Gunnar - 11.07.2008, 23:35

platobird wrote: Gunnar wrote: I saw the film on it's Oslo-premiere last night and tonight!
Was it all in English? :?:

Of course - no dubbing like in Germany in Norway! (Thanks Gaawwd)

;-) Gunnar

Maxi-saxi - 12.07.2008, 07:02

iancee thanks for you link


Maxi-saxi


Sounds as though you had a great night

merton - 12.07.2008, 11:39

Hope the DVD has some really interesting extras in it!

My main "critical" comment of the movie is perhaps that they didn't make the most of the choreographical opportunities on Voulez Vous and Gimme Gimme Gimme. On stage those songs are presented so dramatically and the dancing is electrifying, whereas on the big screen the camera didn't keep its distance enough. I felt like I was in the middle of it and couldn't get an appreciation of all the movements around me.

Arrival57 - 12.07.2008, 18:16

Polargirl wrote:
I think the movie is way better than the stage production.
It's a great movie to go and see with your friends and if only the weather was better [in UK] I would say a perfect Summer film. :D

I Agree Jill, i love the movie, and cant wait to see it again, i like the stage prouduction also but with cast changes the show will differ from time to time, the movie is immortalised forever.

I Also agree with Gunnar, the movie has got such a feel good factor, a weekly viewing of the movie is a must. :love4:

Stu :frida:

merton - 12.07.2008, 20:53

What a great storySamy :P

You know, I plan to go to the movie again, because, I think the first time the other night I was actuallya bit nervous about how it would all come across and therefore the next time now that I have seen it I can relax and simply enjoy it.

Julie Walters is great, she is one of Britain's best comic actresses and was perfect for the role in the movie.

Cheers Merton

ABBAnator - 13.07.2008, 04:22

xxlozengerxx wrote: ... everybody laughed at Pierce :roll: ...
Because he was entertaining, or his acting was foolish?

Bruce

kitty-cat - 13.07.2008, 10:53

Yes, Mike, in the UK, schools dont break up until next week..

Gill xx

welshabbalover - 13.07.2008, 13:24

Zeebee wrote: welshabbalover wrote: (Me and my friends were the only people of our age, as everyone was in school.)

Everyone was in school-in July?! :shock:


Yeah, Schools don't break up here until the end of July...though I didn't have to go back in June after my exams =)


Samy

ABBAnator - 13.07.2008, 16:09

xxlozengerxx wrote: Because it's quite an experience seeing James Bond belting out SOS.
Oh, I see what you mean. Yes, I can imagine that is quite a sight. :lol:

Bruce :D

PS: I am actually a Brosnan fan, much more so than a Streep fan.

abbagav - 13.07.2008, 20:28

My Mamma Mia experience has left me feeling incredibly emotional. I saw the film Friday and thoroughly enjoyed it and then on Saturday afternoon I was wandering around Sainsbury's, basket in hand and I started to think about Meryl and Amanda in the 'Slipping Through My Fingers' scene and then Meryl doing 'The Winner...' on the cliff-top and I found myself starting to cry next to the cold meats counter. Obviously not hysterical sobbing but I had to wipe a tear or two away.

And then I watched the documentary from the other week again this afternoon and the same thing happened again - I became all unnecessary when Benny started talking about Bjorn being like a brother and loving him no matter what he did. Coupled with Frida and Agnetha holding hands and dancing last week, it's all been too much!

And do you know why this is? I think it's because it seems like everything that's happening in ABBA world at the moment feels like the pinnacle of the ABBA story if you will and having followed them for the last 30 plus years, it's incredible special to me to see them come from being so uncool (but incredibly popular) in the 70s, through the pop wilderness of the 80s, all the revivals in the 90s to now finally achieving 'credibility' with the world and his wife through the new movie - involving genuine Hollywood stars!

I don't know if I've explained myself very well but I hope you get the gist. It's the best I can do as I feel a bit....emotionally spent!

Gav

Maxi-saxi - 14.07.2008, 06:22

As I said Have not had a chance to see it yet! BUT BUT my girlfriend rang she has been to see it twice, like you guys mentioned above she also said she laughed, cried through the Movie She said it was Brilliant but left her feeling as if she had been on a roller coaster ride.


Maxi-saxi

xxlozengerxx - 15.07.2008, 02:48

Dancing Queen and The Winner Takes It All are definitely highlights. Winner actually made me feel really emotional...

merton - 15.07.2008, 08:55

Looking forward to reading your report Dave.

Merton

abbagav - 15.07.2008, 13:39

Thanks for your comments Keir and Merton - glad I'm not the only one!

Gav

abbafreak - 16.07.2008, 06:20
Going to go!
OK....the Movie opens here in the US on Friday, and, well, for me, this is a very special day because....

MY entire family and my wife's friend is going to go see it with me! 6 of us!!, even my two teenage daughters, who said that they "really" wanted to see it :shock: :D , and my niece is going too! We represent Two people in their 40's, one person in her 30's, one 18 year old, a fifteen year old and a fourteen year old!! Amazing group of people that are truly excited to go have the time of our lives! :P

I know that my girls will like it, and will be amazed at the fun they will have! And, as for my wife and her friend, well, they may be going to support the "ABBAFREAK"...but, I know they will like it as well. And, yes, I may be a crybaby, but having two teenage daughters..."Slipping through my fingers" always makes me cry.
ABABFREAK
Dave :lol:

drimnagh - 16.07.2008, 16:20

Exactly, Ivana! :kiss: (don't be :shock:- ed.. friendship kiss! :wink: ) I don't wish to spoil anything but as I gather neither you or Dave (abbafreak) have seen Mamma Mia yet I can almost 100% guarantee you are both going to love it!! Especially Pierce's ''When you're gone'' (SOS) part. What he lacks in technique he more than makes for in gusto so once again, get a grip, film fans and enjoy the FUN aspect of the film!

It's not meant to be Bergman!! :wink:

J

kristinafan - 17.07.2008, 11:10

Hallo everybody,

I have seen Mamma Mia in Dortmund yesterday. It was my first Mamma Mia experience as I havenŽt seen the stage show.
And what should I say? The movie is just not my cup of tea. The film was very, very funny and I laughed all the time but felt like I could cry at the same time. No, I think the story of the musical is not very good, the film is kind of kitchy, exaggerated and – embarrasing, I thought. For me there were to many scenes with shrieking women and to many „oh my god“s in it.
But maybe you should not expect the film to be „good“ in an artistic way but just laugh and have fun? Maybe I donŽt have enough sense of humor to be really happy with the film?

In any case I felt an ABBA-proudness the whole evening. I thought that it is my favourite group this is all about. I was proud to wear my ABBA T-shirt. After the film there was an ABBA karaoke. Every participant takes part in a lottery drawing where you can win a notebook and Mamma Mia soundracks (see also http://www.talentrun.de/mammamia). So of course I had to take part :-) I sang SOS on my own. The others, who mostly sang in a group, got Mamma Mia posters. But to me they said that I had done so well that I could choose a Mamma Mia T-shirt :-)))

Although I did not like the film that much, for me the whole evening was great fun. It was not quite so funny for my husband - it was „Ladies Night“ in the cinema and there were just a few men there ;-)

Maggi

platobird - 17.07.2008, 16:22

kristinafan wrote: It was not quite so funny for my husband - it was „Ladies Night“ in the cinema and there were just a few men there...
What did you threaten him with to get him to go? :rotfl: However, maybe he's an ABBA fan too. :wink: (Maybe he's just a Maggi fan. :lol:)

Was it in English or subtitled? :roll:

MammaMia512 - 17.07.2008, 20:20

What a fantastic day I had yesterday at the NYC premiere!

I went extra early with my mother, because I was afraid that it would be MOBBED that early. Unfortunately, it was not. We got into the city at around 11:30 and arrived at the Ziegfeld around 12:00. We were the only people there, besides the crew who was setting up. They were telling us that we could leave and come back later, but I didn't want that-I wanted to be sure that I could get a place right in front. We met up with a few other people, one of whom was an ABBA fan as well and the others who were crazy about Colin Firth. So eventually we moved away from the blue carpet and to a barracade across the street, where the crew said was the best place to be (if the stars wanted to come over before meeting with the press, they would go to that section first).

Around 5:30 the press started to set up. My mom and I were interviewed and had some pictures taken of us because I made a big, colorful sign. One side said "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do love Mamma Mia!" and the other side said "ABBA is My Love, My Life". So that was pretty cool just to be a part of that experience.

I picked up my ticket for the movie around 6:00 (thanks ABBA fanclub!) and then went back to the barricade to wait. Thank goodness we were in front! There really weren't that many fans there. A bunch of people probably just showed up because they saw that something big was about to happen. There was probably more papparazzi than fans, but it was still such a wonderful atmosphere out there. Unfortunately, they didn't close the streets, which made it difficult to see the stars once they got out. It was very hard to see what was going on around the press areas, since we were all the way across the street. We saw Dominic Cooper, but he didn't come over to greet the fans. However, I (and the guy next to me) saw a glimpse of Benny, and we called out to him but I guess he didn't hear us then. But..first Pierce Brosnan came over. Of course everyone was going wild. I was handing him my autograph book for him to sign but instead he took my marker and signed someone else's poster. I thought he had forgotten about me and had just taken my marker so I held my book out to him. He looked right in my eyes and apologized, saying that his pen had died. Of course I absolutely melted and said something like "It's alright!" He is just so gorgeous in person, with the most beautiful eyes. And he was really nice as well!

Next we saw Benny again. At this time I started screaming so loud my voice started to get raspy and I felt like a 'sweaty obsessed fan'. But, he saw me waving at him and came across the street to sign autographs! He signed my book, and my Mamma Mia cd cover that my mom was holding. He noticed my ABBA necklace, and said that it was nice. Then he asked my mom if he could sign my poster. Wow!

Colin Firth came over next, and the girls next to us were having a field day. He was also very nice. When Amanda Seyfried came over, she was just so happy and shocked that everyone was going crazy over her. She's a very nice, humble person, and was very appreciative of all of the support that we gave her. I told her that I was looking forward to seeing the movie, and she was really excited about that.

Next Meryl Streep arrived, and she pretty much went over to the fans before meeting with the press. But...she started out on the other side. I was going wild, because I am an EXTREME Meryl Streep fan. So as I was waiting for her I saw Bjorn! So I called at him from across the street. He signed my book, my cd cover, and my poster as well. He's such a nice guy as well. Then Bjorn and Meryl met halfway and they hugged each other. It was such a beautiful moment; they both looked so genuinely happy to see each other once again. When Meryl came to sign my book, she thanked me after I told her that I loved all of her movies. She is so humble and good hearted, and was also very breathtaken after realizing how crazy people were going over her.

We saw Christine Baransi and Rita Wilson being interviewed, but they didn't come over to us. We could see where all of the other stars were being interviewed as well, but we really couldn't see much else.

When I got into the theatre, I noticed Benny in the lobby. So I politely said hi to him, he said hi back, and then I followed him up the escalator.

I was in complete shock when I discovered that I was in the middle section, in the aisle seat of the second row! Thank you fan club! There were a few other people from the fan club as well. The guy sitting next to me was British, and he knew ABBA from 25 years ago when he worked with them (something to do with a record label, I think). Plus, I think he toured with them as well.

All of the stars, plus Benny, Bjorn, Phyllida Lloyd, Catherine Johnson, Judy Cramer, and Rita Wilson (Tom Hanks couldn't make it) came up to the front of the theatre. Meryl spoke to us all, cracked a few jokes, and made everyone feel happy and comfortable. I forgot who mentioned this, but someone gave the general Mamma Mia warning "If you get uncomfortable by the sight of platform boots and spandex outfits, please leave the theatre!" The stars walked back to their seats along MY aisle. I said hello to Rita Wilson, who said hi back. When I saw Meryl Streep, I said "Bye Meryl!" She probably thought I said Hi, so she looked at me and gave the the sweetest "Hi!" anybody could ask for.

The movie was absolutely phenomenal! Please, please, please, everybody go see it! It was just fantastic. The whole place erupted into applause after numbers such as Dancing Queen, The Winner Takes It All, Does Your Mother Know, etc. At the end, they released confetti all over the place and we all got up to sing and dance to Dancing Queen and Waterloo. Plus, Benny and Bjorn both received great applause after their cameos.

After the show, I saw Christine Baranski talking to a few women, so I just stopped by and listened to what she was saying. She touched my arm, as if welcoming the fact that I, an outsider, was standing next to her. She also mentioned that it was the perfect film to usher us into the 'post-Bush' era, because there was no guns, no violence, it was just a feel-good film. She also said that even if they hadn't released the film, just the joy that they had filming it was satisfaction enough.

I then saw Catherine Johnson on the way out, and thanked her for writing the musical. I told her how much I loved ABBA and that I've seen the stage show 4 times. I told her that the movie was fantastic and that I was going to see it many more times once it came out on Friday. And do you know what she said? "Stop, you're going to make me cry!"

Overall, the day was just completely magical!!!

Lammer - 17.07.2008, 20:35

MammaMia512 wrote:
The movie was I then saw Catherine Johnson on the way out, and thanked her for writing the musical. I told her how much I loved ABBA and that I've seen the stage show 4 times. I told her that the movie was fantastic and that I was going to see it many more times once it came out on Friday. And do you know what she said? "Stop, you're going to make me cry!"

Overall, the day was just completely magical!!!

You're going to make me cry, too, MM512! I loved reading your post, and I'm very happy you were able to share such a wonderful day with your mom. It really does sound "completely magical."

:D

Emmanuelle - 17.07.2008, 20:52

Oh MammaMia512 what a wonderful, wonderful account of your night ! Thank you so much for posting this, I bet you'll never forget that chance of meeting so many superstars and they all sound so nice and down to earth. :-)

MammaMia512 - 17.07.2008, 21:15

I actually didn't take a picture of the carpet yet, besides some far away shots of it before I got to take it with me. But I will eventually post, I promise!

kitty-cat - 18.07.2008, 11:04

What a fantastic story, it sounds like you and your mum had a wonderful time!!

Gill xx

Fire&Ice - 18.07.2008, 13:54

kristinafan wrote:
The film was dubbed, as all English films are in Germany. Thank god, the songs were not dubbed but subtitled!

Ohh I was afraid of that. So I am seeing the German-speaking Meryl, Pierce and the rest in Frankfurt first and then in English.

Mamma MIA, MammaMia512!

I have had time to read your story and it is amazing! You got autographs from B&B and all the rest! How lucky you are! :D :D :blob1: And all in one day! :D

Excellent story, wonderful experience! 8)

Simsalabim - 18.07.2008, 18:12

MammaMia512 wrote:
The movie was I then saw Catherine Johnson on the way out, and thanked her for writing the musical. I told her how much I loved ABBA and that I've seen the stage show 4 times. I told her that the movie was fantastic and that I was going to see it many more times once it came out on Friday. And do you know what she said? "Stop, you're going to make me cry!"


Jen, what a wonderful story!! I love the part above. I can't belive you acually got to talk to Catherine and all the others.
I do understand if it was magic. Don't be to long with pic's of the carpet! :D :wink:

abbafreak - 19.07.2008, 01:19
Leaving in 30 minutes
:D :D :D Opens in our Theater today!

Leaving for the Cinema in 30 minutes!! Finally going to see the film I have been waiting to see for so long! :P
I will let you all know how I feel about it later this evening!
ABBAFREAK
Dave

Cabbadian - 19.07.2008, 06:34

I saw it here in Toronto, Canada.
It was a 10pm show and the theatre was almost sold out (hurrah!)
The audience was great and everyone clapped at the end.

I LOVE Meryl's 'The Winner Takes it All'. I thought it was so wonderfully heartbreaking. I got teary-eyed and almost applauded when she finished (I stopped myself as the theatre was all quite). I love how it wasn't pitch perfect and she sang some of the parts like she was talking. The way it was filmed was great, too. I want a red shawl! :lol:

I am confident this movie will be a hit. Maybe not "Batman" huge, but it will do very well.

I cannot wait for the DVD! :D

abbafreak - 19.07.2008, 07:02
WOW!
Well...

AMAZING!!! :D :D :D
I took my wife, two teenage daughters and my niece and my sister...they all enjoyed it too, and my daughters even told me that they liked it a lot, which is saying a LOT!!!
I loved it! I loved all of the signing, even Pierce, even though it was not of the quality of the others and a little "over-done". I actually thought Colin's song was sung very well by him! Colin has a sweet -sounding voice, surprised me.

My overall opinion of the movie is that it was done very well, it was very fast-paced, it was exciting, funny, sad, and happy all rolled into one very entertaining movie! I wont spoil it for those of you who have yet to see it either, but I am impressed, really. I enjoyed Benny's little cameo and seeing Bjorn too.

Our theater was a sell-out show, and we had a very good crowd, all laughed and I actually saw a lot of tears, and lots of people singing along quietly! The audience even applauded at the end! It seemed to be a great time for a lot of the people there.

Meryl and Amanda sang incredibly well, stayed true to the tunes and really were moving. Actually, Meryl did an outstanding job both signing and acting in this movie. She is believable to me, I know some others feel she was not "in" the role completely, but, I disagree. I felt her emotions and was moved by her performance. I also thought Amanda's acting and singing were incredible as well...really emotional and performed with a lot of heart.
Here I am at the Cinema in front of the display in my ABBA shirt!

Go see it! It is AMAZING!! You will have the time of your life, really. I will go see it again...to catch a few things that I may have missed! It moves along rather quickly! Like the post says below: Do not leave before the credits are over at the ending!!!
ABBAFREAK
Dave

restareabear - 19.07.2008, 07:29

All I can say is GO SEE IT! Very well made movie! For those of you who saw the play, there are some differences but they are minor, mostly things you are able to do with a movie that you cannot in a play (like film sequences during some of the songs instead of watching them sing the entire thing). The singing was actually, imo, better than the trailers led me to believe it was going to be. Also, there is some great scored instrumental background music throughout!

Amanda has a rather good voice! I would encourage you to stay through the closing credits (hey...there are no opening credits!to hear her version of "Thank you for the Music". She really shines on that one, even moreso than "I Have a Dream".

You can really tell Meryl and the cast had a fantastic time with the movie. Although Meryl shines in her dramatic roles, her happiness here is very genuine!

There are some good humorous moments here! I won't spoil it for you! You'll have to see for yourself!

Lady-Lyngstad - 19.07.2008, 18:47

Me and 2 other friends had won free tickets to go and see the movie at the first showing. We got into town, and then walked to the cinema in the pouring rain, singing "Waterloo" at the tops of our voices, which made us recieve some strange looks! We all wore white in honour of ABBA!

It was packed full, but because we had won the tickets, we had the best seats in the whole cinema, which was really great. Even while we were queuing, a man came up to me and one of my friends and told us that we should be in a tribute band! :lol: (She looks a little like Agnetha, and I try to look like Frida! :lol:)

So anyway, we got into the cinema, and took our seats, and we all cheered when the movie certificate came up! We soon got into the swing of things, and we sang along to every song, and even danced for the finale of 'Dancing Queen' and 'Waterloo!'

It was a really good night, and I've been in to see it twice more since then! This is a picture of me 'and Pierce Brosnan'!


LL xx :frida:

Emmanuelle - 20.07.2008, 05:52

Sounds like a great experience, LL ! It looks like it's going to be one of those "happening" movies à la "Rocky Horror Picture Show" where people come and dance and sing to the musical numbers !

Very cute picture. :)

Caz67 - 20.07.2008, 10:33
Mamma Mia 4th July Opening Night...!!
I have to say that I have never experienced such an atmosphere in a cinema as I did with this movie.
Not only did everyone sing along, clap and cheer, but at the end nearly the whole of the audience were on their feet dancing and singing along!!
Fabulous!!

Strangely enough, the following weekend went again locally and not the same excitement and only 4 people dancing at the end (two of them being my Mum and I)

I too agree that its great, all the exposure for this film - I drove through town on Saturday (day after) in an open top car with the sound track blaring out!! Still prefer the "real thing" to the stars but loving it just the same!!

xxlozengerxx - 20.07.2008, 17:04

So, I went for the third time last night but this time in a smaller cinema which was REALLY weird and it was in quite an affluent area, but the crowd were SO into it! Some man kept clapping after every song and there was so much laughter, particularly in Chiquitita! However, none of the times I've been has everyone been standing up at the end....ANOTHER REASON TO GO AGAIN!

Toni - 20.07.2008, 18:02

I saw it today afternoon and I like it. The cinema was full of people, which happens not very often.

My favorite scenes: "Our Last Summer", "Take A Chance On Me", "Does Your Mother Know" and "SOS".

If you want two funny hours, watch this film. :wink:

aggie-fan - 21.07.2008, 07:32

hey so my time at the mamma mia movie was a pretty good one. first of all, my crappy city didn't even get mamma mia(like any other good movie that ever comes out), so i had to drive 2 hours to see it.. (yes im kinda crazy i guess) so me and my friends. (there was 10 of us) pilled into 3 cars on our way to see the movie. luckly i work with a girl in the bigger city and she got us all tickets. (she has 2 jobs, one at my dads bussiness in the bigger city, and then one at the movie cinema) (thank god she got us tickets because it was sold out for all 3 showings that day) while we were waiting in line to get into the theatre part, some younger girls. (around my age so 18-20) budded inline, and well the older ladys (45-60) got really upset so they started yelling at the girls, haha. so yeah.. it was a fight to get the best seats lol. as soon as the security gaurd opened the door the pushing startet. well i think we got the best seats since i pushed my self through everyone and threw my jacket, hat and what ever else on all the back row seats so noone else could sit there.

the movie was awesome, and all my friends gave it 10/10, even tho some of them dont even like abba. there were younger girls infront of me going "i never liked abba songs until now, i think im going to have to go out and buy some of their cds" i couldn't believe it, mamma mia is going to make my generation like abba. it felt great.
its my third favourite movie of all time now.


aggie-fan/livvyfan

merton - 22.07.2008, 08:58

I definitely need to see this movie again. As I wrote somewhere before, I was a bit nervous wondering how it was all going to turnout, and felt a bit distracted. Plus, now I'm curious what audience I will get to sit in this time.

Some of you have been sitting in great audiences.

(Yeah, I need to get a life but when you're in the middle of a rainy New Zealand winter what else is there to do but do a bit of :shock: Abbaspotting.)

philzone - 23.07.2008, 01:49

i forgot to mention, Meryl's dancing and facial expressions just lit up the theater, you could see, feel and hear the reactions. people were singing on the way out, and people were singing on their way in to the next show. although i probably won't go see it again (we have to drive down the mountain to Boulder). i will buy the dvd when available (which i hope will be a long time because i want this movie to thrive in the theaters and break records).

phil

merton - 24.07.2008, 10:23

Just picking up on some of the comments on the Mamma Mia v Batman site about the musical performances in the film, e.g. Meryl singing Winner Takes It All. I still think she did really well with the song and actually liked the visual representation of it.

But thinking further, I think my initial nervousness (and therefore slight distraction) when seeing the movie first time was simply me wondering (hoping) the actors could reach the notes....I can't think of a musical where I've actually worried in such a way about the performances!!! :? :?

This is the huge risk that Benny and Bjorn took taking actors out of their comfort zone. I would go so far as to say it was a very unusual step they chose to cast the film this way.

And apart from using heavyweight stars to pull in the audiences, I'm curious as to why they didn't chose more recognisable singers....

lemmon - 24.07.2008, 20:49

I love the movie. Meryl Streep was a great choice: she gave the role some depth. Her voice is good enough but The winner...was a bit to much: all this emotion,those armmovements and her acting with that red shawl was a bit to much.
It was the same as the play. I agree an experienced director would probably have been better but it's a hit. The people love it.

I would have loved it if Agnetha and Frida were somehow mentioned' a way to say thank you to them. I have had enough of Bennybjorn. Those cameo's
I didn't like esp. the Bjorn one.

merton - 25.07.2008, 10:53

I agree regarding Dave's comments on Amanda's singing. Wasn't quite sure what to expect as I haven't come across her before, but I felt she definitely had the most accomplished voice, one you could feel safe in knowing she'd hit the notes.

Magdalena - 25.07.2008, 22:23

I will write here my opinion as soon, as I'll see the movie. But in the meantime... Oh, somebody won't see the movie: http://je.pl/pfbg

restareabear - 26.07.2008, 00:13

Anyone who has enough time on their hands to see 100 MM commericals on TV in a day needs to get a life, and cannot be trusted to have good taste in anything. 'Nuff said.

merton - 26.07.2008, 05:47

Good point!

Emmanuelle - 26.07.2008, 08:42

ABBA TACOM and MM or soundtrack TACOM and MM ?

Emmanuelle - 26.07.2008, 08:58

:shock: :excited:

Woah ! That's pretty amazing.

ABBA : the band that just.would.not.die :lol:

valgar - 27.07.2008, 05:39

I haven't posted yet as I was away helping my wife clean out her mothers house in our hometown all this past week. We saw it on opening night at the city near us, we got to the theatre an hour early and got great seats and it was a good thing because within twenty five minutes the place was sold out with just the odd single seat left. What can I say about the movie itself other than it was great, my wife enjoyed herself to the max and I got rave comments on my ABBA T shirt, the audience didn't get up and dance and sing out loud but they laughed and clapped and seemed to enjoy themselves all through it. I didn't mind any of the singing it all seemed to fit with the movie and afterward I finally found the CD at WalMart although when I played it it skips on tracks 15/16 so I have to take it back this week.
Am I going to see the movie again, yes absolutly I will and this time I will take the girl from the coffee shop in town with me as she is an ABBA nut.

Chris

robspace54 - 27.07.2008, 15:02
The movie
My wife and I saw the movie last Saturday (2nd night it is running here in the USA). My heart was pounding away as it started. I think because I was afraid it might be poor reflection of the stage musical AND it was on screen at last.

We loved it! I think Amanda and Dominic did a wonderful job of LAYLOM! Meryl singing her heart out through the whole production. Meryl and Amanda singing STMF - there was not a dry eye in the house. I think that Meryl put all she had into TWTIA - rather like Agnetha did in the video long ago. Bravo! And though "the dads" won't be cutting singles anytime soon, the story, the scenery, the music made for a very satisfying whole.

Seems like the FANS love it, but the big name critics generally do not. But if you read the comments about those revirews posted on line, we FANS back up the production.

Now we want to go to Greece sometime and see the movie again, soon! We've been humming the tunes all this week, and now that I have the soundtrack - it just won't stop!!!

xxlozengerxx - 28.07.2008, 01:35

LOL, I had absolutely no clue what Meryl said at that fountain bit as well until my friend told me during my 2nd viewing!
I NEED to go for the fourth time...I bet i'm going to end up going alone LOL.
What annoyed me at my third viewing was the guy next to me saying during Slipping Through My Fingers "this isn't an ABBA song" :roll:

Fire&Ice - 28.07.2008, 17:20

I have just seen it! :D

It is a fun film, there are a few highlights, such as "You have always known how to make an entrance", when Meryl has fallen through that hole straight in front of the three dads LOL LOL having her legs in a certain position, then TACOM scene, ST scene etc, then DYMK is excellent too. (Christina is a very good singer!)

However, even though I have found it funny and amusing, it is still a little too simple but it doesnŽt matter. I will watch it again for sure, though not in Germany. :wink:

Of course I like Bjorn the Greek god LOL, and I think Pierce did quite a good job singing WAISAD, even though he did not sing SOS that well (I admit in the end...) but he is an actor and NO singer so that really did not bother me in the least.

May I add that I watched it with my teenage son who found it amusing and OK, together with the rest of 12 people audience - well no wonder, it is Monday 3 p.m. LOL! Everybody was laughing, singing and having fun. 8)

restareabear - 28.07.2008, 18:40

So what IS Meryl saying?

welshabbalover - 30.07.2008, 03:08

Well...Im going to see it AGAIN with my mum and her friends tomorrow...4th time


But MY FRIENDS just asked me to go tomorrow, SOOO
I'll be seeing it twice tomorrow....my 4th and 5th times :lol:


My top is getting a little wrecked mind you!
:(



Samy

golliwog - 30.07.2008, 22:34

aahhh i did see it today with my mom...and even my mom who always is critical and thinks everything is s*** liked it....i love it....it wasnt as kitschy as i had thought...voices were very ok...will definitely buy the dvd

jessy

abbafreak - 01.08.2008, 07:04
American Acting???
:P :shock:
"Too much American Acting"??? Amanda Seyfried is American! Besides, there are actors/actresses representing many countries in the film...I though Amanda was perfect (IMHO) :wink: Would rather see her "act" American than Greek...more natural. But I agree with your other comments....even about Colin and the other actors being nice to look at...(Amanda is not too shabby herself!)
ABBAFREAK
Dave :wink:

welshabbalover - 01.08.2008, 17:43

4th time;

We went for the 2.20 showing..which was SOLD OUT
We managed to get tickets for the 3.20 showing, which again, ended up being Sold out.
A LOT of young people in the audience, many younger than me..Infact, a whole row behind me was filled with girls and boys around 13, who were loving the movie :lol:

When I came out, I heard that the next two showing of Mamma Mia! Were cold out...


Due to seeing MM! later than planned, I only had an hour and a half to wait before seeing it again, this time with my Mum & her friends...this screening was AGAIN sold out, and before going in, all of that night's showings had sold out..There we a lot of disappointed people leaving the cinema, which was PACKED (as it was during the day!!)
This was by far the BEST audience, they were really into the whole movie, and this was the first time EVERY person had stayed until after Waterloo, many shouting at the screen for more, and 1/2 of them even staying for Thank You For The Music :D :D


At the earlier screening, I of course sang my heart out at the end, while watched by several others in the room, along with staff waiting to clean the room before the next showing.....then an hour later, they saw me in the queue and came over.. ''You're not going to see it AGAIN are you :shock:...Obviously remembering me from my top 8)
The manager also came over, asking If I was going to sing for him again :oops: :lol:

At the end, the 1/2 of the audience which remained until the end of TYFTM sang quietly, while I sang as if I was on stage with ABBA :lol: ...the staff came to watch, and brought a load of other staff with them too...All clapping for me at the end.. :oops: :lol:


Hmmm...I wonder when I'll be seeing it for the 6th time 8)

And by the way, I asked at both Vue, and Odeon cinemas, and I was told that every SINGLE showing of Mamma Mia! was selling out, with 9, or even more showings a day...I think my city loves Mamma Mia!

:D


Samy

Emmanuelle - 02.08.2008, 05:35

I've booked a babysitter for Sunday afternoon so we'll finally be able to go see Mamma Mia!. I hope I'll like it and I won't go all "It's not as good as ABBA yada yada yada".

I'll let you all know.

imstillalive - 02.08.2008, 08:46

I went last night with my Mum. I really enjoyed it (I've had a bit of a crappy week in work so this was the perfect pick-me-up).

The audience was a little "po faced" - no singing, no jigging in their seat, but they all loved it when you heard them talking about it afterwards. From where I was sat quite a few mothers (including my own) where shedding tears during "slipping through my fingers".

Everyone seemed reluctant to leave - they hung on until after "Thank you for the music". I loved the "Waterloo" bit at the end.

Want to go again and I will be first in the queue to buy the DVD.

welshabbalover - 02.08.2008, 14:33

Guess Where I'm going on Thursday


HELLO MAMMA MIA!
6th Time :lol:

It REALLY is getting better each and every time I see it
As shown by the audience staying the 5th time I saw it.

ANYBODY who has any reservations, JUST GET OUT THERE!!
= )


Samy

Maxi-saxi - 03.08.2008, 01:59

welshabbalover wrote: Guess Where I'm going on Thursday


HELLO MAMMA MIA!
6th Time :lol:

It REALLY is getting better each and every time I see it
As shown by the audience staying the 5th time I saw it.

ANYBODY who has any reservations, JUST GET OUT THERE!!
= )


Samy

Samy If I guess correctly first time Do I win anything?


Maxi-saxi

Emmanuelle - 04.08.2008, 01:18

Well after all that grumbling and mumbling I did, I finally got to see Mamma Mia and I will (slightly reluctantly) admit that I liked it. It was fun, it was energetic, the actors did a great job and the music fit just right in. Every now and then I had to quiet the voices in my head that said "Boohoo, I miss the ABBA voices :sob1:" but I did enjoy quite a bit of the musical numbers, esp. Does Your Mother Know, Lay All Your Love On Me, Dancing Queen and the super fantastic final number. I still have a hard time with The Winner Takes It All and some others that are my favorite ABBA songs but on the whole I had a good experience.
I must say, though, that the public in the theater was very sedate. Nobody stood and sang along (well I sang along and wiggled in my seat). The public was mostly feminine. At the end I got to talk to a lady who said she loved ABBA and missed Fernando. She left before I could invite her to the forum. :-(
So here my Mamma Mia! the movie experience. I doubt I'll see it in a theater again due to having to fork the $$$ for a babysitter but I'll probably buy the DVD.

Emmanuelle - 04.08.2008, 02:40

Heh yes you were right. :-)

merton - 04.08.2008, 10:47

...New Zealand audiences are often :roll: ... :oops: ... (shy)

Pabs - 09.08.2008, 09:20

Sorry if my opinion isn't in keeping with most of you. I saw it last night and thought it was just... silly. :lol: 3 or 4 disgruntled people left the theatre after about 20 minutes. How RUDE! :evil:

And yet, I'm still equal to the world's BIGGEST ABBA FAN! I love ABBA, but hated the movie version of a musical based on their songs.

There you go: opinions differ. "That's Me, mmm, mmm, mmm!" :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Pablo

Pabs - 09.08.2008, 09:33

This #1 world's biggest ABBA fan reckons this film comes somewhere at the very bottom of the list of musical films.

Emmanuelle, thanks for your support :D The Blues Bros is ranked equal-top of my best-ever list of movie-musicals. We both have great taste, obviously :lol: (just kidding folks! Taste is SO subjective)


Pablo

Baxter - 10.08.2008, 04:16

Yesterday I saw the movie for the second time. Some of the plot threads became clearer on a second viewing.

A few additional comments: First, regarding Pierce Brosnan -- it's a good thing he was cast for this movie. Some people have complained about his singing of SOS. But without Brosnan's firm, masculine presence, Mamma Mia might have have been just a little bit too much silly fluff.

Second, regarding Meryl Streep -- she is amazing in this film, for this one reason: If you look at the history of great American actresses, most of them have had a short period of fame. Diane Keaton, Julia Roberts, and even Marilyn Monroe went through a splendid run of successful movies over the course of a few years, then suddenly flared out. But here is Meryl Streep, some 30 years after Kramer vs. Kramer, playing the lead role in a highly successful, entertaining movie. All that, and in a role requiring a great deal of energy to play.

Emmanuelle - 10.08.2008, 06:26

And it was also a very physical performance. I was impressed by the amount of dancing and throwing herself on the ground, jumping, climbing, etc. She must have been working very hard.

Maxi-saxi - 11.08.2008, 08:52

JS cheers for that I still as yet have to see Mamma Mia, hopefully soon.
Maxi-saxi

merton - 11.08.2008, 20:19

Abbasolutely :P

Zeebee - 12.08.2008, 08:25

Maxi-saxi wrote: I really thought it came across well on the big screen, I thought the music could have been played a little louder though, it seemed to me to be a bit muffled.

Maybe there was a technical glitch at the theater where you saw the movie. Or maybe not-I wouldn't know, because I haven't seen the movie. I probably won't get to see it until it is released on DVD. :(

Maxi-saxi - 13.08.2008, 01:12

It was probably me I'm getting over a bad cold and my ears are still a bit blocked!

Any way I really enjoyed it I would as I said would have loved for The Name Of the Game to have been included. I will have to go and see it again there was just so much to take in.


Maxi-saxi

Lulu - 13.08.2008, 10:37

I finally got to see the film last night and loved it. I went with a friend who is in a wheelchair so we got good places, nobody with big hair in front of us.

I was surprised by how well Meryl sings, apart from a few trailers I`ve never heard her sing before. Of course nobody sings the songs as well as Frida and Agnetha but I`m glad Meryl didnŽt try to copy them, I donŽt think it would have been as good. Pierce, Stellan and Colin were just right in the film, itŽs actually the first time I`ve liked Pierce Brosnan in a film. I would love to have seen the out takes with them! Loved Stellans tattoo on his bottom :D It was a beautiful location and the water looked so inviting of course. The songs fitted well into the plot I thought and Benny had sprinkled some of his fairy dust over them to fit the film. This is a film you can just enjoy, it doesnŽt demand anything and a film I plan to get in dvd.

My friend loved the film, she has severe epilepsy and because of brain damage some things just donŽt reach her but Mamma Mia did, she sang along and was totally absorbed in the film. We are the same age and remember Abba the first time round and still love the songs.

There was a large group of pensioners there, men and women. They had obviously really enjoyed Mamma Mia and some were singing the songs on the way out. It says a lot about BennyŽs music and Björns lyrics, not only is Abbas music gathering new fans 34 years after winning Eurovision but some of them are grandparents and great grandparents which is wonderful.

Maxi-saxi - 14.08.2008, 05:35

Don't worry I will have to there is just sooooooooo much to take in. From Start to Finish

I cracked up at the end when Meryl yelled out "Do you wanna hear more"


So funny
Maxi-saxi
Merton Can't wait untill the DVD is out I only hope they have Deleted/Bloopers and heaps of extras on it.

Grae - 15.08.2008, 23:30

Now seen it 6 times in the theatre, and I love it more each time. Meryl is a dream. I just wish Vancouver audiences were more enthusiastic in their appreciation of the film: they appear to enjoy it (ie. they stay right through to the end of the credits and look happy enough) but they don't exactly vocalise this, or clap much at all. Someone should light firecrackers under their seats for all the joy they're expressing. I wish I could see the film in Europe or the USA, where I am sure the normally cool and reserved Canadians would feel out of place. Or maybe it's just the Vancouver way? Anyway, it has not stopped me expressing myself by cheering at the end of the Dancing Queen sequence, and then later when urging Meryl to sing "one more."

MammaMia512 - 16.08.2008, 00:19

Grae, I've seen it 5 times, and the only time the audience was enthusiastic was at the NYC premiere. Whenever I went to the other shows, it was pretty much a few elderly couples in the audience. And I had the urge to clap and cheer after every number and dance at the end, but I didn't have the guts. Maybe next time I will; it's so much more fun when you participate. So no, it's not just Vancouver audiences. New York ones are pretty similar as well (everybody says they love it at the end, but they're all stiff during the show).

Arrival57 - 16.08.2008, 10:19

Emmanuelle wrote: Grae wrote: I wish I could see the film in Europe or the USA, where I am sure the normally cool and reserved Canadians would feel out of place.

Grae I live in the USA and I can tell you, the public was very quiet. I was dancing in my seat and lip-synching/singing along but I don't think too many people were.
Maybe Europe is different in that regard.

HI Emmanuelle,

I've seen the Movie 4 times in plymouth and each time the audience has
been different, twice i've been there with a full house and the atmosphere
has been electric everybody singing and dancing to the songs, the other two times the cinema was only a third full and it was fairly quiet through, you get some people clapping and tapping their feet but not alot else, i'm going again this afternoon so it will be interesting to see what another audence is like. :roll:

Stu :frida:

Maxi-saxi - 19.08.2008, 07:54

That is so sweet to read Karin and Stu way to go 4 times


Maxi-saxi

i know a lot of people who just can't wait 'till the DVD comes out

Arrival57 - 21.08.2008, 13:06

Maxi-saxi wrote: That is so sweet to read Karin and Stu way to go 4 times


Maxi-saxi

i know a lot of people who just can't wait 'till the DVD comes out

It's Actually going to be fives times maxi, i'm going again on saturday,
i want to make the most of it while it's still on the BIG Screen, the atmosphere is unbelieveable, i agree with you though i thought the sound could have been louder and clearer, but still didnt spoil any of the enjoyment of the movie. :D

Stu :frida:

welshabbalover - 21.08.2008, 20:22

WENT AGAIN TODAY
To celebrate exam results!

01.10pm showing
Thursday afternoon
SOLD OUT =)

jacko10 - 25.08.2008, 00:04

Went to see it tonight (better late then never)

I was thinking I was going to hate it , as I had the stage version of the musical on cd and ended up giving it away as I didn't like it..

However the Film was Brilliant ok some of the singing wasn't up too much (Pierce Brosnan) but well done to him for trying!, but the film was a success, Julie Walters was Brilliant, as with Meryl Streep.

I may just go out and buy a copy of this soundtrack

a success !!

Jack

Maxi-saxi - 25.08.2008, 06:53

Glad you enjoyed the Movie Jack I loved Julie Walters in it especially when she started singing Take A Chance On Me

It was Brilliant and so funny
Maxi-saxi

kitty-cat - 25.08.2008, 09:42

I'm afraid I did too, and embarrassed my husband and kids! Right at the end when Bjorn appeared I actually stood up in excitement and went 'OOhh look, its Bjorn' :oops: And I also pointed when Benny appeared lol!!

Gill xx

Emmanuelle - 25.08.2008, 16:49

Samy you are going to become a local celebrity. :lol:

Lammer - 26.08.2008, 07:07

I also called their names out when they made their cameo appearances.

:D

jacko10 - 28.08.2008, 22:42

I am quite surprised at Non Abba fans I know Have seen this film four times now..

its quite a sell out with Joe Public

Jack

Maxi-saxi - 29.08.2008, 05:35

jacko10 wrote: I am quite surprised at Non Abba fans I know Have seen this film four times now..

its quite a sell out with Joe Public

Jack

same here

I know of several non ABBA fans who have been to see the Movie twice or one person three times.


Maxi-saxi

Fire&Ice - 30