Mamma Mia Maniac


Ok, I admit it.  I am a complete Mamma Mia addict (I have seen the play, but like the movie much more).  I have seen it in the theater eleven times, and being that it is still showing for another week or so, I will be back.  You can bet a zillion drachmas on that one.

So, what exactly draws me to this movie?  I am a singer, so of course the music plays a part.  Dancing Queen has got to be one of the best girl-power performances in recent history, and Slipping Through My Fingers gets me every time.  Super Trooper is also a liberating part of the show, especially the way Sophie (the daughter) is so proud of her mom instead of being humiliated by her "glory-days" performance.  But it really isn't just the music.

Watching Meryl Streep in this film makes me want to be one of those women that ages well.  I want to be youthful at 59 like she is.  I want to be strong.  I want to be able to create chemistry the way she does.  When she belts out The Winner Takes It All at the real climax of the story I am so caught up in her power, and when it is tender and wistful I am caught up in that.  She is funny and beautiful and brilliant, and I, as a forty-something, want to be like her when I grow up.  But until then I will just keep walking up to the box office, where I am sure they feel like they know me by now. 

10 comments

LisAway | September 12, 2008 at 10:54 PM

Wow, Kazzy! You sing? And you have seen this movie ELEVEN times? Well, guess what? I didn't really think about seeing it when it comes to Poland, but I definitely will now that I know how much one of my computer friends loves it! Thanks for the recommendation.

Meryl Streep is amazing.

Connie | September 12, 2008 at 10:57 PM

MMA (Mamma Mia Anonymous or is it Mamma Mia Addiction?)is a great group to belong to. You have me beat by 7. The best part is when you can let go of your inhibitions, sing along with the movie and get up and dance. (That's what I've heard.) I have found that if you are unable to dance in front of people during the movie, wait until everyone leaves then dance to the credit music. It still feels good. Thanks for you confession. It allowed me to make mine.

Juliana | September 13, 2008 at 10:07 AM

I want to see this movie now! Maybe we could catch a showing together sometime!

Heidi | September 13, 2008 at 11:53 AM

I never saw the play but I loved the movie! Just loved it! Maybe, being forty-something, as well, a lot of the themes applied to me. Not to mention, my husband and I were caught in a bit of a similar situation in that I was dating him and two other guys at the same time. Sort of, kind of--not pregnancies involved, though! Yikes!

Heidi | September 13, 2008 at 11:55 AM

Plus, I love Pierce Brosnan--have since Remington Steele.

Scott | September 13, 2008 at 5:50 PM

Ho-LY-COW! I haven't seen someone watch a movie that much since Gwyneth was on her Arial kick and watched Little Mermaid every day for 3 months.

Mrs4444 | September 14, 2008 at 7:52 AM

Your joy in this film is wonderful; thanks for sharing it. I'm sure you'll be as amazing as you think you are at that age. It's so hard to imagine to me (being that age), but it's just around the corner...I'm 45)

Little GrumpyAngel | September 14, 2008 at 4:26 PM

I'm glad to find another Mama Mia maniac. I felt like a nerd when I posted all so gushy about it the first time I saw the movie. Unlike you I can't sing, but I'm a forty-something ager, too, so yeah, I'm with you on growing up to be like Merryl Streep. But it helps that the romantic angle is pierce Brosnan :-) Husband is jealous of Pierce Brosnan because I had a major crush on him as Remington Steele. I have to admit, however, it made me feel weird to see him sing, as I had a hard time separating him from James Bond.

Miss Brandy | September 15, 2008 at 9:59 PM

What? Are you kidding? You'll be Meryl x 10!

P.S. I saw 3 returning missionaries on my flight today. We got to hear their welcome at baggage claim. How exciting for you to look forward to!

charrette | September 16, 2008 at 8:56 AM

Hahahah! If you're an addict then I must be an enabler! I'm so glad I got to see that WITH YOU! What a blast -- I'm sure I had twice as much fun seeing it with you as with anyone else.

And I ditto what you said about the terrific Girl Power montage on Dancing Queen, and getting all teary-eyed on Slipping Through My Fingers.

I would love to grow up to be Meryl Streep, but I fear she's a bit out of my league...