"Mamma Mia!" Sneak Preview -- The Conclusion

My friend "John M." (not his real name) has completed his review of Mamma Mia! Despite a gestation period longer than the title character endured with her daughter, here is the conclusion -- and it's still a month in advance of the opening of the movie. You read it here first, people!

- Colin Firth (Harry): While Ms. Baranski channeled her high-class, boozing floozy to the small island with grace, Mr. Firth was able to do likewise with his quiet, likeable, lovelorn, slightly-off-center everydayman. Harry is the kind of character that brings to mind Harvey Fierstein: I just want to be loved, is that so wrong?

As with most of the leads in the film, Firth does a good job in the singing department. But it's his nonabrasive, man-child-like demeanor that makes Harry enjoyable to watch. I found myself rooting for the man when, at the end of the film, he finds his true love, and what a hunk of love he is.

The film did leave me wanting: Wanting more shots of the young men dancing with scuba diving flippers. Wanting more panoramic scenes of the cast. Wanting less of that "oogy" feeling whenever Brosnan started singing.

While this review may seem a bit harsh, Mamma Mia! is nevertheless a film to experience. Despite all the niggling negatives about it, you can't leave the theatre without a smile on your face.