It’s strange to think that Mamma Mia! came out nearly twelve years ago. It was the film that brought the movie musical back to the big screen with an all singing, all dancing bang and sent movie goers into an ABBA loving frenzy. Screenings sold out up and down the country and the time that the film was kept running in the cinemas just kept on getting extended as the summer went on. But looking back at it now, eleven years on and as the show that inspired it prepares to celebrate it’s twentieth anniversary, what was it about the film that made it such a big hit?

Everyone knows the story, and everyone knows the music (even though some people may not want to admit it) and most people know that Mamma Mia! is set on a beautiful albeit fictional Greek island. This tropical sun soaked setting allowed the film making team to bring this story to the big screen in all glory. Stunning locations including the incredible island of Skopelos give this film a warm, sunny vibe that makes just about anyone ready to book a holiday. With a setting like this, with it’s white washed buildings, cliffs overlooking the water and sandy beaches, Mamma Mia! feels like a summer holiday all wrapped up in a movie you can watch from the comfort of your own home.

There is no way that you can deny that the cast of this film is incredibly star studded, filled to the rafters with big names. And in today’s society of name lovers, that was only going to encourage people to see it even more. It’s funny to think that with so many big names, the person that was talked about the most when the film came out was one of the least known ones. Although Amanda Seyfreid had done plenty of things before Mamma Mia!, it was this film that really put her on the map when she took on the role of Sophie. It was said that people thought that it would be easy for people to dislike Sophie for her naivety and for thinking that she could plan everything, but it was believed that Seyfried instantly made the character lovable and believable. And along with her gorgeous vocals, it is no surprise that she was an instant hit with the fans and has gone on to bigger things.

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Speaking of vocals, along with Seyfreid, another good vocalist from this film is Meryl Streep. But of course, she is always good at everything. Then we have to be honest, when something is good there is more often than not something bad. And the something bad when it comes to vocals in Mamma Mia! is Peirce Brosnan. Ouch! I am not going to lie, whenever I watch this film, I always skip SOS and When all is said and done, because no one needs to hear that. I can just about stand Say I Do. Another thing with the casting of this movie musical, can we all agree that Julie Walters is a national treasure?

There are many things that I love about this movie and I could go on and on, but I don’t like to ramble, so I will just focus on a couple of things. Let’s face it, whatever happens, mistakes, mix ups and misunderstandings will always be funny. The scene in which we see Bill and Harry talking on the morning of the wedding, with the conversation ‘you and the little lady’ is brilliant. Bill thinks they are talking about Sophie whilst Harry thinks the talk is about Rosie. It’s hard not to have a giggle. Three is a big number in Mamma Mia! Three Dynamos, three dads, Sophie and her best friends, and in the stage show Sky and his best friends. This not only provides a pattern but allows for great mirroring opportunities. In the wedding morning scene, we see this perfectly as Sophie and Donna behave in a similar way, whilst Ali mirrors Rosie and Lisa matches Tanya. Very cleverly done.

You could say that Mamma Mia! turns the tables on the norm. This is a very girl power film, based on a very girl power show. A strong single mother raising a determined and sassy daughter whilst the men are seen as the butt of many jokes and put firmly in their places. For example, in the film, the character of Sky doesn’t have much of his own storyline, unlike in the show. It feels as if he is there is be charming and look good (which he does well), a little bit of role reversal perhaps.

Say what you want about this film, but no one can deny it’s success. It’s easy watching, doesn’t take itself too seriously and it just good fun. That is what it comes down to really, fun. Fabulous music, combined with a great story, an amazing cast, all wrapped up in a joyous summer holiday.