Really? Of every movie ever released in Britain, Mamma Mia! is the one that’s earned the most money?Â
It’s got to be because of ABBA, right? Limeys have been buying ABBA Gold constantly since 1992, so maybe the promise of Swedish pop on the big screen has been herding in the crowds.
Otherwise, I just can’t figure it out. I mean, I thought parts of the movie were fun, but it’s so awkwardly shot and overly acted that I never imagined it would dance into the heart of an entire nation. (Here’s my review.)Â
What do you guys think? Anyone out there with a better grasp of British culture who can shed some light on this phenomenon?







4 responses so far ↓
1 Brooke // Dec 16, 2008 at 4:40 pm
As a Brit once removed (New Zealander), I can’t really understand why this movie is the #1 of all time over there. And I actually liked the movie, and love ABBA.
I think it might be because ABBA, and the stage play, just got a better reception Britside than over in the States.
Or maybe it’s just that wacky sense of British humour playing a joke on you Americans.
2 Scarlettb // Dec 16, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Well, part of it’s the ABBA, for sure. They’re never going to get over them.
But the other part? Pierce Brosnan + Colin Firth, aka Bond & Darcy, aka The Two British Men Who Are Most Suitable For Middle Aged English Ladies To Fantasize About.
3 Kel // Dec 16, 2008 at 10:34 pm
This is the same country where Starlight Express played almost 7, 500 performances.
That said, I saw Mamma Mia! three times in the theater and loved it every single go, even Pierce’s (bless his heart) horrible singing.
The stage show in NYC is still doing pretty booming business in a year where nothing can seem to stay open, and there’s a very successful run in Las Vegas, too.
It’s ABBA. It’s the casting. And it’s ridiculous and fun, in my opinion. Is there a more heartwarming ‘My mom was kind of a slut/Who’s your Daddy?” film out there?
4 Laura Mc. // Dec 17, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Well, I was there for a year and a half, and all I have to say is C-A-M-P. The Brits do have a keen fascination with and affection for things which are camp, over the top, or gawd-awful tacky.. particularly in their entertainment. I think it has something to do with everything that is understated elsewhere.
So, a the silliest movie possible is shot and put on wide release, and Sir Nigel Repressington gets to buy a ticket, enjoy all that delicious saccharine ABBA, and leave it behind at the theatre. It’s the Perez Hilton effect. It’s dirty, but it’s your little secret if you participate because what happens on your laptop/darkened theatre stays there.. A theory which proves appealing for all manner of activities, be they goofy musicals or otherwise
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