I'm glad that a reactor FINALLY figured out that the villagers are literally the Greek Chorus in this film. If you think this movie made you emotional, wait until the second one.
Oh god it’s just gotten worse as I’ve gotten older. I got married last year and just lose it every time I listen to the song now! And so many reactors don’t like it - it makes me so sad 😭
When you heard Pierce Brosnan sing and pointed out that he wasn't the best singer... it is kinda sad but also funny. Brosnan apparently signed onto the project without knowing that it was a musical. He just wanted to act alongside Meryl Streep. When he found out his reaction was along the lines of "I can't sing. They must know that."
This is the peak of girlhood movies. I just remember seeing this with my sister and our childhood best friends, and then our moms, who are also friends, would join us to watch. So it just a cozy, happy, warm movie. Thank you, girls, for the memories
After the band broke up a decision was made years later to make a Broadway musical based on the music of Abba. It was successful enough to warrant making a movie based on the same premise. Enough music to even do a sequel. 😅
I would love to see you both react to Mamma Mia Here We Go Again, like that movie turned Mamma Mia into a saga, like you can’t not watch Here We Go Again after seeing Mamma Mia.😀 Also for future reference I highly recommend seeing The Last 5 Years, it’s so good. The premise is that it’s about a young relationship that lasted 5 years she tells it from the end to the beginning, he tells it from the beginning to the end. And we as an audience get to be detectives in figuring out what went wrong with their relationship in the course of 5 years. The music is brilliant and beautiful. Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan do a great job portraying their roles respectively. And it’s free on UA-cam.😀
I'm not afraid to admit that I BAWL every time I hear "slipping through my fingers", I just turned 21 and feel like my childhood is finally over so it hits super hard now. Me and my parents went to watch 'mamma Mia' at an outdoor cinema and the vibes we're IMMACULATE, everyone was crying during that scene including me and my mum who just held each other.
Mamma Mia 2 is probably one of my favourite sequels. I do note even care that they made a small change to the order of events of Donna's past, as it was such a fun movie!
The film is based on Catherine Johnson's book from the musical of the same name. The musical first opened on West End in London on April 6th 1999, its North American debut was in Toronto on May 23rd 2000 and its Broadway debut was on October 18th 2001. Director Phyllida Lloyd also directed the Broadway show, which closed on September 12th 2015 after running for nearly 14 years, making it the ninth longest-running show in Broadway history and the longest-running jukebox musical (it had 5,773 shows). As of 2020, the show is still in London, where it is the sixth longest-running show in West End history, as well as various other cities/countries. It has been put on stage in more than 60 countries in all 6 continents and been translated into multiple languages. Over 65 million people have seen the show worldwide and it has set the record for premiering in more cities faster than any other musical in history. I saw a production of the musical in Iceland back in 2016 (I actually saw it twice). It only ran for a little over a year but it had 190 shows and there was a record of theatre-goers in Icelandic theatre history in over 100.000 people. Take note that in 2016 the entire population was about 330.000 (now it's 380.000), so almost 1/3 of the entire country saw the show in its one year run. Meryl Streep first saw the musical in October 2001 with her daughter and her daughter's friends in Manhattan. Streep wrote to the producers and praised them for bringing a little happiness and fun to the lives of New York City's people following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The musical/film is structured like a Greek comedy and the story has the same basic premise as Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell from 1968. L Even though the film never explicitly reveals who Sophie's biological father is, there is a semi-official answer. According to screenwriter Catherine Johnson and director Phyllida Lloyd it is Bill, who coincidentally is a Swede. But even without that confirmation, the film hints at it due to Sophie being named after and inheriting his aunt Sofia, plus the obvious fact that Sophie has blonde hair and blue eyes like him. But I like that we never find out in the film because DNA isn't what's most important. Also, since Sam married Donna at the end he is Sophie's step-dad regardless. The film set a new record for the biggest weekend premiere for a movie musical, with $27.6 million. The former record holder was Hairspray a year earlier. It was also released in select theaters for special Sing-Along screenings with the lyrics at the bottom of the screen. Since the film's release, the filming location, a beach named Kastani at the Skopelos, has become very famous and every summer many people visit. The first announcement of a film adaptation was made in 2004. At that time, Nicole Kidman, Keira Knightley and Antonio Banderas were rumored for roles. Furthermore, Mandy Moore, Amanda Bynes, Rachel McAdams, Amy Adams, Evan Rachel Wood, Jessica Biel, Kirsten Dunst, Brittany Murphy, Emmy Rossum, Leighton Meester and Busy Phillips were all considered for the role of Sophie. Olivia Newton-John and Michelle Pfeiffer were considered for the role of Donna. Cher was offered the role of Tanya but had to decline due to concert tour commitments. Donny Osmond was considered for the role of Sam and Bill Nighy was considered for one of the dad parts. Also, Dawn French was originally cast as Rosie. But after the creators described the character as "the fat, funny one" and the musical director was clearly not impressed with her singing, she declined. She only agreed to it because of Meryl Streep. Speaking of, Pierce Brosnan had no idea what the project was about when he signed on. The only thing the producers told him was that it was being filmed in Greece and Meryl Streep was starring. Brosnan said he would've signed on for anything involving Streep, describing her as "that gorgeous blonde he fancied terribly in Drama School". ABBA band members and co-composers Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus both have cameos in the film. Benny is playing piano during Dancing Queen and Björn is dressed as a Greek god during the closing credits. Additionally, Rita Wilson (who is an executive producer along with her husband Tom Hanks) is dressed as a Greek goddess during the closing credits. Also, when Sophie is mailing the invitations to Sam, Bill and Harry, the envelope for Bill's says B.U. Andersson-B.U. are the initials for Bjorn Ulvaeus and Andersson is obviously Benny's last name. Stellan Skarsgård (Bill) is from Sweden, just like three of the members of ABBA: Benny, Björn and Agnetha Fältskog. Anni-Frid "Frida" Lyngstad is from Norway but mostly raised in Sweden. In this film, the character of Bill is also Swedish and his last name is Anderson, but in the stage musical he is Australian and his last name is Austin. This paid homage to ABBA's enormous popularity in Australia. Also, Skarsgård has a son called Bill, who is most known for playing Pennywise in the remake of IT. All of the cast members did their own singing. Meryl Streep went to Stockholm, Sweden to record her vocals for The Winner Takes it All and finished it in one take. Benny Andersson called her "a miracle". Originally, Our Last Summer was a duet between Donna and Harry. The beginning of Super Trouper was sung live a cappella. The crew blasted heavy metal music to get Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried to laugh during Slipping Through My Fingers. All of the songs were re-orchestrated for the film. Under Attack, One of Us and Knowing Me, Knowing You (the last is the melody playing while Sophie walks down the aisle) were removed. The Name of the Game was filmed but removed from the final cut and included as an extra on the DVD (it's when Sophie asks Bill if he is her father). Thank You for the Music played over the closing credits. When All is Said and Done was never part of the stage show. Donna hums a few bars of Fernando as she walks into the old goat house while the three men are hiding upstairs (the song is about war and the writers couldn't find a way to fit it into the story). Dame Julie Walters injured herself while filming Dancing Queen by tripping over some rocks but "soldiered on" to finish the scene. At the start of Dancing Queen, the photo on Meryl Streep's bedroom mirror is Amanda Seyfried's professional head shot. No one knew Stellan Skarsgård would be naked under the apron so when the cameras showed his butt, the cameraman jumped and screamed while director Phyllida Lloyd keeled over laughing. Several night scenes, including I Have A Dream, were shot during the day and then transformed in post-production. Colin Firth's character parodies the catchphrase of James Bond by saying "I'm Bright, Harry Bright" when he is standing next to Pierce Brosnan, who played Bond in four movies. Firth also actually used to play guitar in a band and he once said that if Heaven exists and if he goes there, when he arrives he wants to hear God say "I personally thought you were very good in Mamma Mia". The room in which Donna, Rosie and Tanya are in is filmed in the same room Sophie, Ali and Lisa are in (they just have different furniture to make it seem as if they're different rooms).
The credits sequence in a packed cinema was an absolute blast! 😂 also I'm pretty sure the men (or at least one of them) from actual ABBA were in that whole Greek section in the credits too!
I would LOVE to see your reaction to 2007's "Across The Universe". It's a jukebox musical like this one, but with Beatles songs. A love story between an British guy and an American girl, set in the late '60s / early '70s. With the Vietnam war in the background. Starring Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachel Wood & Joe Anderson. Directed by Julie Taymor. My favorite movie of all time.
- Both Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus of ABBA were very much behind the show as they caught the musical theater bug when they wrote the musical Chess with Sir Tim Rice. Benny and Bjorn also show up in the film. Benny is the Greek fisherman playing piano on the boat during "Dancing Queen" and Bjorn was one of the Greek gods (playing a lyre) at the end of "Waterloo" - Meryl Streep sought out the role of Donna when she found out the movie was going to be made. She made it known that she wanted the part and do whatever it took to play it. - Meryl and Christine Baranski (Tanya) both have legit Broadway musical credentials. Meryl has sung in other films as well. One of my favorites is 'Postcards From the Edge'. In that film, Meryl plays a fictionalized version of Carrie Fisher (who wrote the novel and screenplay of the film) about her relationship with her mother, Debbie Reynolds (played by Shirley MacLaine). During the film, Meryl sings a Ray Charles song "You Don't Know Me" and just crushes it. The film changes the names of Carrie and Debbie...but it was about them, and Carrie's struggle to become sober. - Do not feel weird about crying during Mamma Mia! as almost all of the third act gets me teary eyed. From "Running Through My Fingers" to "I Have a Dream (Reprise)" the end sequence just hits you in the feels! - During the recording of the musical tracks, Benny and Bjorn were so taken with Amanda Seyfried's voice, they offered to write and produce a pop album with her. She was flattered but didn't feel she was made to be a pop star, so she declined. - Cher was originally offered Tanya...but had to decline because of her concert tour, which would have been a reunion for Meryl and Cher. They did Silkwood together in the 80s. However, Cher is in Mamma Mia: Here we Go Again. - Pierce Brosnan didn't know what he was getting into, he only knew he had an opportunity to be in a movie with Meryl...who he had a serious crush on when he was in drama school. - Mamma Mia: Here we Go Again is a really good sequel. Lily James plays a young Donna.
Of course it was conceived for the stage. I have the greatest time working on costumes for a production. It has become my FAVORITE jukebox musical. I would do it again at the drop of the hat.
To see all these iconic actors in such a silly movie is so amazing and at the time was SUCH a surprise, since none of them were at the end of their career by any means. It’s just so good.
My Grandmother hated pop music but as a kid she would play the original Broadway soundtrack in the car. Bjorn and Benny largely influenced my composing style and the kind of music I listen to today. RIP Grandma and thank you for the music ❤
I saw the musical on Broadway as a pre-teen (probably, like, 2011 or 2012?) and I remember that in the Playbill/program the ensemble as listed as "the Greek Chorus," and the reason why in the movie everything looks so eclectic and heads pop up behind walls is because, in the stage show, the Greek Chorus just pop their heads over the stone wall set piece and sing - they really are their own omnipotent character XD it's hilarious at the end of the production, I also remember that everyone in the cast dressed up in those sparkly outfits for bows, in which they all sing ABBA songs together as a sort of mini-concert - which the movie pays homage to in the end credits! Depending on the vibe of the audience for the night, I think they'd go on for a little while, which is why Donna at the end of the first credits song in the movie asks if the audience wants to hear "another one," like she's hyping up a crowd. I remember it being a ton of fun. Also,, the bachelor party coming to scoop up the fiance with the flipper-feet dance makes so much sense in the musical, because - uh - it's a stage musical, and it's just an accepted part of reality. In the movie, it looks so unhinged, and I love it so much haha
This was such a blast and love seeing your reactions and emotions while watching this movie. Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski and Julie Walter’s were such a delight for being chaotic with the music of ABBA which my family and I enjoy listening to. Looking forward to your eventual reaction to the sequel (if you plan on doing it) and you think the both of you will react to Hairspray (both the 2007 film and the Live Musical with Maddie Baillio)?
I used to travel to New York for work a lot back in the day, and every time I went I'd see as many plays as I could manage. On one trip I caught Mamma Mia, Avenue Q, Curtains (a musical mystery starring David Hyde Pierce), and The Lion King. Sitting in the theater before Mamma Mia started, I remember thinking I'd made a horrible mistake! Then an announcement came on warning us about the use of strobe lights, spandex and disco music. That broke the ice, and I settled in for whatever was about to happen. And I was transfixed, by the music, by the staging, by the performances, by everything. Others may not (probably don't) agree, but I think the movie is a pale imitation of that Broadway stage show. The artifice of calling up a Greek island onstage just worked and fit the cheesy music. I loved it all, and I'd happily see it again.
Pierce Brosnan's "when you're gones" are my favorite thing in this movie, but not ironically, I actually just thought he nailed that line and was surprised later when I found out everyone else thinks he can't sing 😂 I saw this movie at the cinema (that's British for movie theater...) and it's the happiest I've ever felt seeing a movie, even at the time I consciously thought "this might be the best movie experience you ever have, so enjoy it". The casting is perfect, everyone looks great together and their performances are all on a par, and yeah I also sob in all the right places. I think jukebox musicals are kinda trashy but I think I might be the right kind of trash.
Seeing this movie in theaters with my dad was such a treat. He was both appalled and amazed at the same time. I learned so much more ABBA music because of this movie, I only knew the songs from Ateens lol.
This movie was my fixation for a while! I love some things you maybe dont get the first time like how bill is high key terrified (ahhh the awkward hug during the bachelorette's party) to be responsible for a child (he's so happy to only get 1/3!) and how bill and harry are respectively implying about being a relationship with rosie and being gay instead of being sophie's dad on the ship!
If either of you (or anyone else) ever gets the chance to travel to Greece, I highly recommend travelling up north to the two islands they filmed this on, Skiathos and Skopelos. They’re not as widely known in other countries as Santorini and Mykonos, but both are absolutely stunning. The people are gorgeous, so friendly, and the local food is amazing. A friend and I did the Mamma Mia tour that departs from Skiathos and goes by boat to Skopelos, and you can ‘hike’ up to the real little church they used for the exterior shots of the wedding but you can also stay on Skopelos which I also recommend- it’s beautiful. They played Mammia Mia every night on the pool screen at the hotel, which led us to believe most people don’t stay more than one night there, but we both love the movie so we didn’t care at all. Also if anyone does go to Skiathos, I highly recommend the Skiathos Palace Hotel as the place to stay.
A couple of other musicals you could put on your poll are The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Singing In The Rain, Oklahoma, and The Blues Brothers. I know they are old ones, but then so am I...
If you two haven't seen 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' add it to a list someplace, it's a musical thriller and it stars agent Smith/ Elrond and it's AWESOME.
So glad you guys chose this early on!!! Loved the group channel, but I'm so excited to see what you two cook up here. Can't wait to see the pics. Keep killing it girls!
You're so smart for catching the greek chorus thing. I think the producers of the movie also confirmed that they're supposed to represent the greek gods laughing at Donna
my fav musical!! fun fact (if you didn’t already know) but amanda seyfried & dominic cooper (sophie & sky) were dating in real life during filming! glad that they came back for the 2nd movie to play their roles!
My daughter got me tickets to see Mama Mia the musical for Christmas a few years ago. We both loved the movie and the musical was AMAZING too. When I saw the movie for the first time, there were about 50 people (myself included) just up and dancing and singing in the aisles!!! It’s the most fun I’ve ever had at a movie. So so glad you guys did this one.
i will never get over the fact that the three outrageous "20 years ago" designs for the fathers at 12:28 got half erased for the sequel so they were all ACTUAL twenty-something year olds who could almost pass for modern clothing, its hilarious
Mamma Mia & The Dark Knight was the original Barbenheimer. I’ll never forget opening weekend my mom told me she would take me to TDK if I went and also saw Mamma Mia with her, because nobody else would see it with her.
Fun fact about Stellan Skarsgard’s butt cheek scene; Julie Walters said in an interview that he somehow always ends up without pants during shooting the movie. He’s an ex hippie and naturalist so I guess he doesn’t like clothes 😅 His son, Alexander, also talked about this in an interview, that Stellan always walked around naked but had to put on clothes when they brought home girls. The interview is somewhere here on UA-cam 😂
The plot is a little ridiculous but this movie is pure vibes. The whole cast was drunk on set having a blast and you can totally feel it. And the music is amazing obviously. The cast is STACKED
A fun fact is that “ does you mother know “ is originally a man singing about a girl. But they thought it would read less creepy with the reversed roles
I’m not crying because of Mamma Mia either! Oh my gosh, you guys don’t know how much I needed this today; loved it! Any time you want to react to musicals, I’m 100% here for it: Hamilton, In The Heights, Waitress, Little Shop… whatever it is, let’s go!
I saw this on Broadway in 2012 and I must say, it’s much more fun in movie form. However, there was one crazy scene that the movie cut out. Sophie has a nightmare about her dads and the wedding set to “Under Attack.” The chorus comes out in these neon diving suits and Sky comes out wearing Sophie’s wedding dress at one point. It’s insane. 🤣🤣
You have to do the sequal now, if you cried during this then you will definitely cry during the sequal (i was sobbing in the cinema!) But the casting is spot on, especially for younger versions of the characters!
the thing about mamma mia 2 is that you need to suspend your disbelief even more because it has more plotholes than i can count but in the end it doesn't even matter because you'll have the time of your life. i fell in love with lily james after watching it and ended up watching her entire filmography 😂 you'll have a blast, that's for sure. have you watched little shop of horrors? also an amazing musical.
It is lots of fun but - definitely not in the same way. I am being super careful what I say to avoid spoiling it for the 2 girls reacting but, for me it had its flaws and missed recapturing that magic as full on as this first one did. I guess it really is a hard task to strike gold as far as movies go in the way first Mamma Mia did. But despite that as said the 2nd sequel certainly still has its special moments and without doubt it is the 3 female leads including of course Lily James playing the younger versions who make and carry the sequel it is worth a view alone for what they inject into it.
Me and my mom used to watch this movie so much after i came to live with her as her and my birth father divorced. The "Slipping Through My Fingers" sequence makes me think of us especially
BTW the costumes of Donna and the Dynamos look very similar to the actual Abba stage outfits. They were quite outrageous since there was a tax law in Sweden were you could deduct the cost of stage outfits if they were deemed to be not suitable for everyday wear, hence to be on the safe side we got some truly out there, fabulous Abba costumes.
My grandma would have a plethora of DVDs of all genres of movies and I would watch Mama Mia! Probably every other weekend. It's a banger musical, no one can tell me otherwise.
I love this movie to bits. I didn't even realize up until "Take a Chance on Me" that I'd just been stuck with this massive smile on my face. I however really do not recommend the sequel. If anything, I'd recommend having a few drinks first, it's kind of a trip.
I have to thank you so much for this reaction! This was one of my mom’s favorite musical films as she loved ABBA! I still have the memory of us when we went and saw this with my cousins when I was young and then we saw the sequel together years later. It’s one of my fondest memories of her. Watching this reaction felt like she was still here with me. You have got to watch Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again. If you’re interested in any other jukebox musical films, I must recommend these: Rock of Ages, Rocketman, Sing, Sing 2, Lovestruck the Musical, Alvin and the Chipmunks tetralogy, Cinderella (2021), and Trolls trilogy. I must recommend you check out this Christmas musical film, Dolly Patton’s Christening On The Square, which also stars Christine Baranski (Tanya). 👰🏼♀️👩🏼👨❓💙🩵🤍
I think its cute that she has a house for old goats.What I find difficult was realizing that that the Aunt Tanya actress is the same one that played Sheldon's mom. And a solid gold reaction. I don't think the next one is as good but it is good. This is a remake of the "68 "Buona Sera Mrs. Campbell"! Definitely watch the second one.
"House for old goats"! Lol 😂😂 I think they meant it was actually an old house for goats! But I do so agree with you - the sequel wasn't as good. At least for me. The first one definitely hit all the right notes and feels, the second, not so much. But isn't it nice to have a happy, uplifting film for a change?
I think BIll's my favorite of the three because he's just vibing. Traveling around, writing books, sailing, not in the mood for romance unless, maybe, someone like Rosie comes along? 😆
There’s an old movie called Buona Sera Mrs. Campbell that has the plot point of a single mother having to deal with the 3 men who might be her daughter’s father showing up unexpectedly after many years, and I’ve always wondered if that was the inspiration for Mamma Mia. Pretty much everything else is different (besides a Mediterranean setting), but it is a strikingly similar core plot point.
MammaMia! and MammaMia2! are our favorite feel good movies of all time! Glad you enjoyed the first one! Can't wait to see your reaction to the 2nd, but I will warn you more tissues will be required!
My top 5 musicals are: 1. The Rocky Horror Picture Show 2. Repo! The Genetic Opera 3. The Devil's Carnival 4. Alleluia! The Devil's Carnival [prequel/sequel] 5. Little Shop of Horrors The Director's Cut Honorable mention goes to Hedwig & The Angry Inch as it was hard to leave out of my top 5, honestly.
My wife and I saw the full Broadway musical of Mamma Mia on the cruise ship Allure of the Seas in March 2020. I can assure the musical on stage is MUCH BETTER than the movie!!! I hope you react to Grease and to The Sound of Music. Both excellent musicals!
they decided to do this musical at my school a year after I graduated 😭 I would’ve totally auditioned if they would’ve did it while I was still in school
Hi, about this musical or movie its just the music/songs. I read that the story was from a female director(?)doing a girls movie and they want a soundtrack. So they asked the ABBA boys and they did a little story to the songs. Its all the songs.
I'm glad that a reactor FINALLY figured out that the villagers are literally the Greek Chorus in this film. If you think this movie made you emotional, wait until the second one.
Right, I've seen so many reactions and everyone is just weirded out and I'm over here like... they're a Greek chorus
Fr this wedding was for everyone OTHER than the couple that was supposed to get married 😂😂
Lİke the film is about everybody else's relationships as well hahah
I was so worried you would skip the end credits cuz usually people would pause at the end of the movie, but the dads in those costumes is pure gold.
I cry every time I see the slipping through my fingers scene 😭
Oh god it’s just gotten worse as I’ve gotten older. I got married last year and just lose it every time I listen to the song now! And so many reactors don’t like it - it makes me so sad 😭
I want my mom to sing this song at my wedding, and then I join in the same time sophie does
When you heard Pierce Brosnan sing and pointed out that he wasn't the best singer... it is kinda sad but also funny. Brosnan apparently signed onto the project without knowing that it was a musical. He just wanted to act alongside Meryl Streep.
When he found out his reaction was along the lines of "I can't sing. They must know that."
I honestly always really liked his raspy growling voice. I mean, Rod Stewart isn’t the best best singer ever but he’s famous same as Louis Armstrong.
Mamma Mia has been a long time theatre musical. The ending is replicating all the encores the cast would perform
Mamma Mia 2 has even more perfect casting, the young dynamos and young dads are literally amazing!
This is the peak of girlhood movies. I just remember seeing this with my sister and our childhood best friends, and then our moms, who are also friends, would join us to watch. So it just a cozy, happy, warm movie. Thank you, girls, for the memories
After the band broke up a decision was made years later to make a Broadway musical based on the music of Abba. It was successful enough to warrant making a movie based on the same premise. Enough music to even do a sequel. 😅
There's enough music to make a third one.
I didn't figure out the "Greek chorus" part until they all started laughing at her in unison.
I'll watch anything Amanda Seyfried is is in. She is stunning and an amazing actress
I would love to see you both react to Mamma Mia Here We Go Again, like that movie turned Mamma Mia into a saga, like you can’t not watch Here We Go Again after seeing Mamma Mia.😀
Also for future reference I highly recommend seeing The Last 5 Years, it’s so good. The premise is that it’s about a young relationship that lasted 5 years she tells it from the end to the beginning, he tells it from the beginning to the end. And we as an audience get to be detectives in figuring out what went wrong with their relationship in the course of 5 years. The music is brilliant and beautiful. Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan do a great job portraying their roles respectively. And it’s free on UA-cam.😀
I'm not afraid to admit that I BAWL every time I hear "slipping through my fingers", I just turned 21 and feel like my childhood is finally over so it hits super hard now. Me and my parents went to watch 'mamma Mia' at an outdoor cinema and the vibes we're IMMACULATE, everyone was crying during that scene including me and my mum who just held each other.
one thing i always loved about this is just how much everyone cares about each other. and the fact that the 3 potential dads didnt run away
Mamma Mia 2 is probably one of my favourite sequels. I do note even care that they made a small change to the order of events of Donna's past, as it was such a fun movie!
The film is based on Catherine Johnson's book from the musical of the same name. The musical first opened on West End in London on April 6th 1999, its North American debut was in Toronto on May 23rd 2000 and its Broadway debut was on October 18th 2001. Director Phyllida Lloyd also directed the Broadway show, which closed on September 12th 2015 after running for nearly 14 years, making it the ninth longest-running show in Broadway history and the longest-running jukebox musical (it had 5,773 shows). As of 2020, the show is still in London, where it is the sixth longest-running show in West End history, as well as various other cities/countries. It has been put on stage in more than 60 countries in all 6 continents and been translated into multiple languages. Over 65 million people have seen the show worldwide and it has set the record for premiering in more cities faster than any other musical in history. I saw a production of the musical in Iceland back in 2016 (I actually saw it twice). It only ran for a little over a year but it had 190 shows and there was a record of theatre-goers in Icelandic theatre history in over 100.000 people. Take note that in 2016 the entire population was about 330.000 (now it's 380.000), so almost 1/3 of the entire country saw the show in its one year run.
Meryl Streep first saw the musical in October 2001 with her daughter and her daughter's friends in Manhattan. Streep wrote to the producers and praised them for bringing a little happiness and fun to the lives of New York City's people following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The musical/film is structured like a Greek comedy and the story has the same basic premise as Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell from 1968. L
Even though the film never explicitly reveals who Sophie's biological father is, there is a semi-official answer. According to screenwriter Catherine Johnson and director Phyllida Lloyd it is Bill, who coincidentally is a Swede. But even without that confirmation, the film hints at it due to Sophie being named after and inheriting his aunt Sofia, plus the obvious fact that Sophie has blonde hair and blue eyes like him. But I like that we never find out in the film because DNA isn't what's most important. Also, since Sam married Donna at the end he is Sophie's step-dad regardless.
The film set a new record for the biggest weekend premiere for a movie musical, with $27.6 million. The former record holder was Hairspray a year earlier. It was also released in select theaters for special Sing-Along screenings with the lyrics at the bottom of the screen. Since the film's release, the filming location, a beach named Kastani at the Skopelos, has become very famous and every summer many people visit.
The first announcement of a film adaptation was made in 2004. At that time, Nicole Kidman, Keira Knightley and Antonio Banderas were rumored for roles. Furthermore, Mandy Moore, Amanda Bynes, Rachel McAdams, Amy Adams, Evan Rachel Wood, Jessica Biel, Kirsten Dunst, Brittany Murphy, Emmy Rossum, Leighton Meester and Busy Phillips were all considered for the role of Sophie. Olivia Newton-John and Michelle Pfeiffer were considered for the role of Donna. Cher was offered the role of Tanya but had to decline due to concert tour commitments. Donny Osmond was considered for the role of Sam and Bill Nighy was considered for one of the dad parts. Also, Dawn French was originally cast as Rosie. But after the creators described the character as "the fat, funny one" and the musical director was clearly not impressed with her singing, she declined. She only agreed to it because of Meryl Streep.
Speaking of, Pierce Brosnan had no idea what the project was about when he signed on. The only thing the producers told him was that it was being filmed in Greece and Meryl Streep was starring. Brosnan said he would've signed on for anything involving Streep, describing her as "that gorgeous blonde he fancied terribly in Drama School".
ABBA band members and co-composers Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus both have cameos in the film. Benny is playing piano during Dancing Queen and Björn is dressed as a Greek god during the closing credits. Additionally, Rita Wilson (who is an executive producer along with her husband Tom Hanks) is dressed as a Greek goddess during the closing credits.
Also, when Sophie is mailing the invitations to Sam, Bill and Harry, the envelope for Bill's says B.U. Andersson-B.U. are the initials for Bjorn Ulvaeus and Andersson is obviously Benny's last name.
Stellan Skarsgård (Bill) is from Sweden, just like three of the members of ABBA: Benny, Björn and Agnetha Fältskog. Anni-Frid "Frida" Lyngstad is from Norway but mostly raised in Sweden. In this film, the character of Bill is also Swedish and his last name is Anderson, but in the stage musical he is Australian and his last name is Austin. This paid homage to ABBA's enormous popularity in Australia. Also, Skarsgård has a son called Bill, who is most known for playing Pennywise in the remake of IT.
All of the cast members did their own singing. Meryl Streep went to Stockholm, Sweden to record her vocals for The Winner Takes it All and finished it in one take. Benny Andersson called her "a miracle".
Originally, Our Last Summer was a duet between Donna and Harry.
The beginning of Super Trouper was sung live a cappella.
The crew blasted heavy metal music to get Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried to laugh during Slipping Through My Fingers.
All of the songs were re-orchestrated for the film. Under Attack, One of Us and Knowing Me, Knowing You (the last is the melody playing while Sophie walks down the aisle) were removed. The Name of the Game was filmed but removed from the final cut and included as an extra on the DVD (it's when Sophie asks Bill if he is her father). Thank You for the Music played over the closing credits. When All is Said and Done was never part of the stage show. Donna hums a few bars of Fernando as she walks into the old goat house while the three men are hiding upstairs (the song is about war and the writers couldn't find a way to fit it into the story).
Dame Julie Walters injured herself while filming Dancing Queen by tripping over some rocks but "soldiered on" to finish the scene.
At the start of Dancing Queen, the photo on Meryl Streep's bedroom mirror is Amanda Seyfried's professional head shot.
No one knew Stellan Skarsgård would be naked under the apron so when the cameras showed his butt, the cameraman jumped and screamed while director Phyllida Lloyd keeled over laughing.
Several night scenes, including I Have A Dream, were shot during the day and then transformed in post-production.
Colin Firth's character parodies the catchphrase of James Bond by saying "I'm Bright, Harry Bright" when he is standing next to Pierce Brosnan, who played Bond in four movies. Firth also actually used to play guitar in a band and he once said that if Heaven exists and if he goes there, when he arrives he wants to hear God say "I personally thought you were very good in Mamma Mia".
The room in which Donna, Rosie and Tanya are in is filmed in the same room Sophie, Ali and Lisa are in (they just have different furniture to make it seem as if they're different rooms).
Wow thank you very much for this trivia!!!
The credits sequence in a packed cinema was an absolute blast! 😂 also I'm pretty sure the men (or at least one of them) from actual ABBA were in that whole Greek section in the credits too!
I would LOVE to see your reaction to 2007's "Across The Universe". It's a jukebox musical like this one, but with Beatles songs. A love story between an British guy and an American girl, set in the late '60s / early '70s. With the Vietnam war in the background. Starring Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachel Wood & Joe Anderson. Directed by Julie Taymor.
My favorite movie of all time.
so gooooooooooooooooooooooood
I had this soundtrack in my car for at least a decade before it stopped playing. I should get my hands on another copy. ❤
- Both Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus of ABBA were very much behind the show as they caught the musical theater bug when they wrote the musical Chess with Sir Tim Rice. Benny and Bjorn also show up in the film. Benny is the Greek fisherman playing piano on the boat during "Dancing Queen" and Bjorn was one of the Greek gods (playing a lyre) at the end of "Waterloo"
- Meryl Streep sought out the role of Donna when she found out the movie was going to be made. She made it known that she wanted the part and do whatever it took to play it.
- Meryl and Christine Baranski (Tanya) both have legit Broadway musical credentials. Meryl has sung in other films as well. One of my favorites is 'Postcards From the Edge'. In that film, Meryl plays a fictionalized version of Carrie Fisher (who wrote the novel and screenplay of the film) about her relationship with her mother, Debbie Reynolds (played by Shirley MacLaine). During the film, Meryl sings a Ray Charles song "You Don't Know Me" and just crushes it. The film changes the names of Carrie and Debbie...but it was about them, and Carrie's struggle to become sober.
- Do not feel weird about crying during Mamma Mia! as almost all of the third act gets me teary eyed. From "Running Through My Fingers" to "I Have a Dream (Reprise)" the end sequence just hits you in the feels!
- During the recording of the musical tracks, Benny and Bjorn were so taken with Amanda Seyfried's voice, they offered to write and produce a pop album with her. She was flattered but didn't feel she was made to be a pop star, so she declined.
- Cher was originally offered Tanya...but had to decline because of her concert tour, which would have been a reunion for Meryl and Cher. They did Silkwood together in the 80s. However, Cher is in Mamma Mia: Here we Go Again.
- Pierce Brosnan didn't know what he was getting into, he only knew he had an opportunity to be in a movie with Meryl...who he had a serious crush on when he was in drama school.
- Mamma Mia: Here we Go Again is a really good sequel. Lily James plays a young Donna.
Also, didn’t the directors let the actors drink during filming. I bet it was so much fun shooting this movie.
Of course it was conceived for the stage. I have the greatest time working on costumes for a production. It has become my FAVORITE jukebox musical. I would do it again at the drop of the hat.
One of my favorite little things in the movie is when Sophie reunites with her friends and do their little friend song
To see all these iconic actors in such a silly movie is so amazing and at the time was SUCH a surprise, since none of them were at the end of their career by any means. It’s just so good.
My Grandmother hated pop music but as a kid she would play the original Broadway soundtrack in the car. Bjorn and Benny largely influenced my composing style and the kind of music I listen to today. RIP Grandma and thank you for the music ❤
I saw the musical on Broadway as a pre-teen (probably, like, 2011 or 2012?) and I remember that in the Playbill/program the ensemble as listed as "the Greek Chorus," and the reason why in the movie everything looks so eclectic and heads pop up behind walls is because, in the stage show, the Greek Chorus just pop their heads over the stone wall set piece and sing - they really are their own omnipotent character XD it's hilarious
at the end of the production, I also remember that everyone in the cast dressed up in those sparkly outfits for bows, in which they all sing ABBA songs together as a sort of mini-concert - which the movie pays homage to in the end credits! Depending on the vibe of the audience for the night, I think they'd go on for a little while, which is why Donna at the end of the first credits song in the movie asks if the audience wants to hear "another one," like she's hyping up a crowd. I remember it being a ton of fun.
Also,, the bachelor party coming to scoop up the fiance with the flipper-feet dance makes so much sense in the musical, because - uh - it's a stage musical, and it's just an accepted part of reality. In the movie, it looks so unhinged, and I love it so much haha
This was such a blast and love seeing your reactions and emotions while watching this movie. Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski and Julie Walter’s were such a delight for being chaotic with the music of ABBA which my family and I enjoy listening to.
Looking forward to your eventual reaction to the sequel (if you plan on doing it) and you think the both of you will react to Hairspray (both the 2007 film and the Live Musical with Maddie Baillio)?
Omg, I'd love to see a Hairspray reaction! Also Chicago and Sweeney Todd
I used to travel to New York for work a lot back in the day, and every time I went I'd see as many plays as I could manage. On one trip I caught Mamma Mia, Avenue Q, Curtains (a musical mystery starring David Hyde Pierce), and The Lion King. Sitting in the theater before Mamma Mia started, I remember thinking I'd made a horrible mistake! Then an announcement came on warning us about the use of strobe lights, spandex and disco music. That broke the ice, and I settled in for whatever was about to happen. And I was transfixed, by the music, by the staging, by the performances, by everything. Others may not (probably don't) agree, but I think the movie is a pale imitation of that Broadway stage show. The artifice of calling up a Greek island onstage just worked and fit the cheesy music. I loved it all, and I'd happily see it again.
Years ago I saw this movie with my mamá, I was a child and since then it became something special.
Great reaction, thank you
Pierce Brosnan's "when you're gones" are my favorite thing in this movie, but not ironically, I actually just thought he nailed that line and was surprised later when I found out everyone else thinks he can't sing 😂 I saw this movie at the cinema (that's British for movie theater...) and it's the happiest I've ever felt seeing a movie, even at the time I consciously thought "this might be the best movie experience you ever have, so enjoy it". The casting is perfect, everyone looks great together and their performances are all on a par, and yeah I also sob in all the right places. I think jukebox musicals are kinda trashy but I think I might be the right kind of trash.
Seeing this movie in theaters with my dad was such a treat. He was both appalled and amazed at the same time. I learned so much more ABBA music because of this movie, I only knew the songs from Ateens lol.
I'm a simple guy. I see a Mamma Mia reaction go up, I click. Bonus points for it being Hayley & Stella!!
This movie was my fixation for a while! I love some things you maybe dont get the first time like how bill is high key terrified (ahhh the awkward hug during the bachelorette's party) to be responsible for a child (he's so happy to only get 1/3!) and how bill and harry are respectively implying about being a relationship with rosie and being gay instead of being sophie's dad on the ship!
Every now and then a movie absolutely captures lightning in a bottle.
If either of you (or anyone else) ever gets the chance to travel to Greece, I highly recommend travelling up north to the two islands they filmed this on, Skiathos and Skopelos. They’re not as widely known in other countries as Santorini and Mykonos, but both are absolutely stunning. The people are gorgeous, so friendly, and the local food is amazing. A friend and I did the Mamma Mia tour that departs from Skiathos and goes by boat to Skopelos, and you can ‘hike’ up to the real little church they used for the exterior shots of the wedding but you can also stay on Skopelos which I also recommend- it’s beautiful. They played Mammia Mia every night on the pool screen at the hotel, which led us to believe most people don’t stay more than one night there, but we both love the movie so we didn’t care at all. Also if anyone does go to Skiathos, I highly recommend the Skiathos Palace Hotel as the place to stay.
A couple of other musicals you could put on your poll are The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Singing In The Rain, Oklahoma, and The Blues Brothers. I know they are old ones, but then so am I...
every time i'm on a plane i watch this movie and then i pretend to be surprised that i am sobbing
Christine Baranski as Tanya is incredible casting, she served so well
If you two haven't seen 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' add it to a list someplace, it's a musical thriller and it stars agent Smith/ Elrond and it's AWESOME.
So glad you guys chose this early on!!! Loved the group channel, but I'm so excited to see what you two cook up here. Can't wait to see the pics. Keep killing it girls!
The PURE JOY this film, & its sequel just exude!!!!! ❤
You're so smart for catching the greek chorus thing. I think the producers of the movie also confirmed that they're supposed to represent the greek gods laughing at Donna
my fav musical!! fun fact (if you didn’t already know) but amanda seyfried & dominic cooper (sophie & sky) were dating in real life during filming! glad that they came back for the 2nd movie to play their roles!
My daughter got me tickets to see Mama Mia the musical for Christmas a few years ago. We both loved the movie and the musical was AMAZING too.
When I saw the movie for the first time, there were about 50 people (myself included) just up and dancing and singing in the aisles!!! It’s the most fun I’ve ever had at a movie. So so glad you guys did this one.
i will never get over the fact that the three outrageous "20 years ago" designs for the fathers at 12:28 got half erased for the sequel so they were all ACTUAL twenty-something year olds who could almost pass for modern clothing, its hilarious
One of my favourite films! And I absolutely love that both Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson from ABBA had cameos in this film!
🎉🎉🎉awwwww I thought I'd lost you two... Soooo excited you still here on the tube!!
I've been non stop watching this film since I was 11 (I'm 27) and I don't think I can ever stop it. Is amazing for way too many reasons ❤
Now you have to watch "The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert" and "Murial's Wedding". Two Aussie movies, with a splash of ABBA
Mamma Mia & The Dark Knight was the original Barbenheimer. I’ll never forget opening weekend my mom told me she would take me to TDK if I went and also saw Mamma Mia with her, because nobody else would see it with her.
All this time later I watch it with her once a year.
"Dark Mamma"?
Wow, I was only about 9 when these came out so I just realised they released so close together. Original Barbenheimer indeed lol
Fun fact about Stellan Skarsgard’s butt cheek scene; Julie Walters said in an interview that he somehow always ends up without pants during shooting the movie.
He’s an ex hippie and naturalist so I guess he doesn’t like clothes 😅 His son, Alexander, also talked about this in an interview, that Stellan always walked around naked but had to put on clothes when they brought home girls. The interview is somewhere here on UA-cam 😂
Viva ABBA forever!!! the best group of the 70s.
The plot is a little ridiculous but this movie is pure vibes. The whole cast was drunk on set having a blast and you can totally feel it. And the music is amazing obviously. The cast is STACKED
A fun fact is that “ does you mother know “ is originally a man singing about a girl. But they thought it would read less creepy with the reversed roles
With all the banger songs My fav song is I have a dream 😂
a film from Amanda Seyfried's golden period, when she shot hit after hit. 😊
Hayley wearing a Smosh hoodie is everything
These two have me just as much happiness as this movie 💛💛💛
Yes definitely please do the sequel Mammia Mia Here We Go Again.
I’m not crying because of Mamma Mia either! Oh my gosh, you guys don’t know how much I needed this today; loved it! Any time you want to react to musicals, I’m 100% here for it: Hamilton, In The Heights, Waitress, Little Shop… whatever it is, let’s go!
I saw this on Broadway in 2012 and I must say, it’s much more fun in movie form. However, there was one crazy scene that the movie cut out. Sophie has a nightmare about her dads and the wedding set to “Under Attack.” The chorus comes out in these neon diving suits and Sky comes out wearing Sophie’s wedding dress at one point. It’s insane. 🤣🤣
You have to do the sequal now, if you cried during this then you will definitely cry during the sequal (i was sobbing in the cinema!) But the casting is spot on, especially for younger versions of the characters!
the thing about mamma mia 2 is that you need to suspend your disbelief even more because it has more plotholes than i can count but in the end it doesn't even matter because you'll have the time of your life. i fell in love with lily james after watching it and ended up watching her entire filmography 😂
you'll have a blast, that's for sure.
have you watched little shop of horrors? also an amazing musical.
Mamma Mia 2 has more songs. One is missing in movie but on the CD.
Stage productions are special if you ever get a chance to see any musical on stage.
Obviously you need to watch Mama Mia 2 next. It's lots of fun but there will be some more tears.
It is lots of fun but - definitely not in the same way. I am being super careful what I say to avoid spoiling it for the 2 girls reacting but, for me it had its flaws and missed recapturing that magic as full on as this first one did. I guess it really is a hard task to strike gold as far as movies go in the way first Mamma Mia did. But despite that as said the 2nd sequel certainly still has its special moments and without doubt it is the 3 female leads including of course Lily James playing the younger versions who make and carry the sequel it is worth a view alone for what they inject into it.
1000% have to watch the 2nd one! These movies are just so much fun.
Me and my mom used to watch this movie so much after i came to live with her as her and my birth father divorced. The "Slipping Through My Fingers" sequence makes me think of us especially
Mamma Mia an iconic song and movie!
BTW the costumes of Donna and the Dynamos look very similar to the actual Abba stage outfits. They were quite outrageous since there was a tax law in Sweden were you could deduct the cost of stage outfits if they were deemed to be not suitable for everyday wear, hence to be on the safe side we got some truly out there, fabulous Abba costumes.
this was my childhood! such an amazing movie, actors and songs
My grandma would have a plethora of DVDs of all genres of movies and I would watch Mama Mia! Probably every other weekend. It's a banger musical, no one can tell me otherwise.
I love this movie to bits. I didn't even realize up until "Take a Chance on Me" that I'd just been stuck with this massive smile on my face. I however really do not recommend the sequel. If anything, I'd recommend having a few drinks first, it's kind of a trip.
I have to thank you so much for this reaction! This was one of my mom’s favorite musical films as she loved ABBA! I still have the memory of us when we went and saw this with my cousins when I was young and then we saw the sequel together years later. It’s one of my fondest memories of her. Watching this reaction felt like she was still here with me. You have got to watch Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again. If you’re interested in any other jukebox musical films, I must recommend these: Rock of Ages, Rocketman, Sing, Sing 2, Lovestruck the Musical, Alvin and the Chipmunks tetralogy, Cinderella (2021), and Trolls trilogy. I must recommend you check out this Christmas musical film, Dolly Patton’s Christening On The Square, which also stars Christine Baranski (Tanya). 👰🏼♀️👩🏼👨❓💙🩵🤍
I think its cute that she has a house for old goats.What I find difficult was realizing that that the Aunt Tanya actress is the same one that played Sheldon's mom. And a solid gold reaction. I don't think the next one is as good but it is good. This is a remake of the "68 "Buona Sera Mrs. Campbell"! Definitely watch the second one.
"House for old goats"! Lol 😂😂 I think they meant it was actually an old house for goats! But I do so agree with you - the sequel wasn't as good. At least for me. The first one definitely hit all the right notes and feels, the second, not so much. But isn't it nice to have a happy, uplifting film for a change?
Hayley and Stella this was great! Yes please react to Mamma Mia here we go again and more musical movies. Even I'm having fun with it. 😃
I think BIll's my favorite of the three because he's just vibing. Traveling around, writing books, sailing, not in the mood for romance unless, maybe, someone like Rosie comes along? 😆
Many thanks to Hayley and Stella! 💌 I hope you'll react to MAMMA MIA: HERE WE GO AGAIN (2018), as well.
I love this movie since my childhood. They show me ABBA, and my dad also love this.
There’s an old movie called Buona Sera Mrs. Campbell that has the plot point of a single mother having to deal with the 3 men who might be her daughter’s father showing up unexpectedly after many years, and I’ve always wondered if that was the inspiration for Mamma Mia. Pretty much everything else is different (besides a Mediterranean setting), but it is a strikingly similar core plot point.
Now THIS is the content I subscribed for!!!!
Insanely in love with your Smosh wildflowers sweatshirt!
The greatest showman is another amazing musical
MammaMia! and MammaMia2! are our favorite feel good movies of all time! Glad you enjoyed the first one! Can't wait to see your reaction to the 2nd, but I will warn you more tissues will be required!
My top 5 musicals are:
1. The Rocky Horror Picture Show
2. Repo! The Genetic Opera
3. The Devil's Carnival
4. Alleluia! The Devil's Carnival [prequel/sequel]
5. Little Shop of Horrors The Director's Cut
Honorable mention goes to Hedwig & The Angry Inch as it was hard to leave out of my top 5, honestly.
Yeah, a lot of Abba's music is kinda melancholic and sad if you know the lyrics. But they wrapped it up so beautifully.
Off topic but I LOVE the Smosh hoodie 😍
Oh by the way, the two guys FROM ABBA Bjorn and Benny were responsible for the music
Love Hayley’s Smosh hoodie ☺️
I be like damn I didn't know Hayley and Stella actually started their own channel! Thankyou UA-cam for showing it to me
I like the way you say that Voulez vous part has some violent undertones.. I kind of feel that way too...😂
Loved your reaction, now i need you to see Mamma Mia 2, bc omg the bangers they included there!!!😍😍🤩🤩
My wife and I saw the full Broadway musical of Mamma Mia on the cruise ship Allure of the Seas in March 2020. I can assure the musical on stage is MUCH BETTER than the movie!!!
I hope you react to Grease and to The Sound of Music. Both excellent musicals!
they decided to do this musical at my school a year after I graduated 😭 I would’ve totally auditioned if they would’ve did it while I was still in school
Thanks for the ABBA music! They are great!
Yes I'm here for the sequel too!
Yup. Molly Weasley.
I love musicals. My favorite has always been *7 Brides For 7 Brothers.*
When you guys got the Greek Chorus part 😹😻😹💜😹
There are two musicals I recommend: The Lure 2015, the Polish version of Little Mermaid, and of course the fan favorite, La La Land.
Luigi: “Mario! Take a look at this.”
Mario: “Mama Mia!”
Hi, about this musical or movie its just the music/songs. I read that the story was from a female director(?)doing a girls movie and they want a soundtrack. So they asked the ABBA boys and they did a little story to the songs. Its all the songs.
Please react to mamma Mia here We go again! Loved this video sm!❤
Hello! I just wanted to say a super fun movie musical is Moulin Rouge if yall haven’t seen that one! Definitely very different but very fun!