After its successful stage version beginning in London way back in 1999, ‘Mamma Mia’ has been staged all around the world in twenty productions in eight different languages raking in over two billion dollars worth of ticket sales, it was inevitable that ‘Mamma Mia’ would one day become a motion picture.

Inspired by the story telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs which is probably one of the main selling points and its immense success on stage, with even the stage production named after an ABBA song, the movie features unknown singers covering the work of Swedish quartet ABBA in a song and dance.

With help from Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus who have given their consent to cover their music, the duo reunited in Stockholm with the original musicians who featured on their songs and brought out a totally new version of the 70s pop group’s work with slight variations on a few tracks. Benny has also played keyboards giving his own bit to the songs that have today become classic work. The covers here are fairly impressive, but lack the magic that was ABBA. You have tracks like Honey Honey, Money, Money, Money, Our Last Summer, The Name of the Game and a hidden Thank you for the music among a host the 17 other dance favorites.

The plot revolves around a bride to be Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) who is trying to find her father before she gets married. But the problem is she has no idea who her father is. But Sophie gets to know a little secret when she chances upon her mother’s Donna (Meryl Streep) personal diary in which she finds the names of three men Sam (Pierce Brosnan), Bill (Stellan Skarsgard) Harry (Colin Firth) and who in all probability are her mothers ex lovers. Without informing her mother Sophie invites the trio to an exotic island in Greece for her wedding. Sophie tries her best to keep the secret, but somehow the truth is out and hell breaks loose. Donna and her wisecracking friends Rosie (Julie Walters) and Tanya (Christine Baranski) add to the melee in this musical, comedy and romance flick.

One of the highlights include the soul stirring rendition of The Winner Takes It All sung by Donna, when Sam intercepts her and begs her to talk. She reveals the deep pain she felt over losing him. But the wedding ceremony is due to begin. Who is Sophie’s real father from the three men. What happens is entertaining as well as moving.

The movie is worth checking out if you’ve seen the stage production, or simply love listening to ABBA’s golden greats.

Bonus material includes Making of the movie, snippets with ABBA’s Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, deleted scenes, and interviews with cast.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira