This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Fainite Auguste. Find her on Instagram at @ceilingdancing. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Mamma Mia is a movie based on the book and the 1999 musical of the same name. The film has an absolutely stacked cast. It stars a young Amanda Seyfried, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgård, and Meryl Streep. These actors, along with the director and crew brought to life the best summer movie in cinematic history.
The Storyline
Yes, the storyline is comical, but that’s what makes it so special. “Sophie” is the main character and catalyst for the movie. Sophie reads her mother’s diary and invites three of Donna’s summer flings to her wedding. Although Donna loves her daughter she’s afraid that Sophie is too young to get married.
The three men, Harry, Sam, and Kurt all visit the Greek Island under the impression that Donna wants to see them. Throughout the movie, Sophie tries to keep her potential fathers from running into Donna. The men inevitably run into Donna.
At the wedding the three men all step up as Sophie’s father. Sam confesses his feelings to Donna and the two reconcile after all those years. Sophie calls off her wedding and decides to travel the world with her Boyfriend instead. Donna and Sam get married instead.
The Soundtrack
Every second in the 18-song movie soundtrack is perfection. The characters sing the songs of the 1970s supergroup ABBA. Although ABBA wrote and performed these songs 50 years ago they are timeless. The songs fulfill the task of making the audience either cry or dance.
There are several songs guaranteed to make the audience get up from their couch and dance. Voulez-Vos, Lay All Your Love On Me, Take A Chance On Me, and Dancing Queen. Because these songs were written without a musical in mind they can be listened to in any order.
Everything was shot on location in Greece. The boat scenes were actually shot on boats. The choreography in the movie is also incredibly important. The background dancers practiced for hours. There is a dance number for the song Lay All Your Love On Me in which a group of men emerge from the ocean. This scene was difficult to shoot because it happened at the same time as Sophie and Sky were having a romantic scene.
The one that always makes me cry is, “Slipping Through My Fingers” It’s a heartfelt and honest depiction of mother-daughter relationships. The characters Sophie and Donna sing Slipping Through My Fingers as Sophie gets ready for her wedding. It’s a montage of small but impactful moments, like when Sophie cuts her leg shaving and Donna puts a Band-Aid on it. By the time she’s in her wedding gown Sophie finally asks Donna to give her away instead of the three potential fathers. This part of the movie represents Sophie accepting her life for what it is.
The Impact
Mamma Mia was released during male-centered movies. In 2008 movies like The Dark Knight were reviving positive reviews from critics. Mamma Mia was released during male-centered movies. In 2008 movies like The Dark Knight were reviving positive reviews from critics. Mamma Mia was written off as a useless “chick flick.” It currently sits at 55% on Rotten Tomatoes, but don’t be fooled. Mamma Mia was the feel-good female-centered movie that people need. Despite all of the negative comments and reviews Mamma Mia is the 6th highest-grossing film of 2008. People gravitated to the movie because it captures a beautiful mother-daughter dynamic, growing up, identity, and love.
How To Have A Mamma Mia Summer
Watching the movie isn’t the only way you can incorporate Mamma Mia vibes into your summer routine. A Mamma Mia summer might include traveling abroad or otherwise spending time at any beach or pool. We also have an entire article all about how you can get that classic Mamma Mia style and recreate some of the most iconic outfits. This movie is all about wearing your heart on your sleeve and having a carefree & fun summer so write yourself an epic bucket list, meet some new friends and dance the night away,
Do you agree that Mamma Mia is the best summer movie? Were you wondering how to have a Mamma Mia summer? What are your favorite songs from the soundtrack? Let us know!
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