What it is: The stage to film adaptation of the hugely successful
musical based on the songs of the widely popular pop group, ABBA; Mamma Mia
opens with Sophie (Amanda Seyfriend), a 20 year old bride-to-be desperately
seeking the identity of her father. After discovering her mother, Donna’s
(Meryl Streep) diary and the names of three potential fathers; she decides to
invite all three men without her mother’s knowledge and without informing the
men of her true intentions. Set on the enchanting Greek isle, Kalokairi, the
story unfolds as the three men; American businessman Sam Carmichael (Pierce
Brosnan), Swedish adventurer Bill Andersson (Stellan Skarsgard), and British
banker Harry Bright (Colin Firth) arrive for the wedding much to the surprise
and horror of Donna. As Sophie gets to know each man, hoping to discover her
father’s identity; Donna is forced to face her past and open her heart with the
help of her two best friends; fun-loving writer Rosie (Julie Walters) and rich
three-time divorcée Tanya (Christine Baranski). Meanwhile, each of the three
men discovers that Sophie could be their own flesh and blood and promise to
walk her down the aisle unbeknownst to the other! The romance and comedy
continue as one contagious song and dance number breaks out after another until
you’ll find yourself off the couch and singing along.

Why it is significant: Grossing over $569M in the box office worldwide,
Mamma Mia is the most successful Hollywood film musical of all time and
the only film of its size to release a separate sing a long version in
theaters. With musical numbers starring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan (who
knew!), Mamma Mia’s breathtaking scenery, attractive male leads, and nonstop
fun make it a must have DVD for mothers, daughters, lovers, ABBA groupies, and
musical fans alike. As the plot thickens, passion grows, and hilarity continues
you won’t be able to contain a smile or the urge to sing along. And you won’t
want to wait to watch it again.