My hero.

Let me just state, Meryl Streep is my hero.

She even looks great boucing on beds. It was infectious.

Yes, Mom and I went to see Mamma Mia this afternoon and it actually made my day on many levels. I was not expecting much and was actually rather thrilled at what happened on screen (sans Pierce Brosnan's solos which were awkward but funny)

Firstly, I think, for the most part, the music you heard growing up you like whether you actually love it or it takes you back to times past and brings comfort or a flood of memories. Well, I heard ABBA in the womb and grew up putting these records on and lip synching to all of their songs. ABBA is in the Larson kids genes whether we (and you) like it or not. So I knew all the words to the songs, reverted into choreography from decades ago, and sang right along.

A Record cover of my childhood.

Secondly, Mamma Mia is actually quite a clever little piece (for a musical) and weaves the lyrics to the songs perfectly into this little plot. Then to top it off, the songs were turned right into what they are, fun, cheesy, pop songs with almost ridiculous (but oh so fun) dance sequences. But then to top that off, the most brilliant actress around was having her fun with them and making them Meryl like only Meryl can. She rocked it (and so did everyone else and they didn't even try to make Pierce sound good but it sort of fit anyway)

Thirdly, it was visually enticing but then it is impossible to make the Greek islands look bad or people in the Isles look bad. Sometimes, I long for the days of long hair, tan skin, and turquoise from these days but the details were expressed in sets, the filming, and the costumes. Mom and I love Ann Roth as a costume designer and she had her way with this film as well in the wicked Disco attire and myriad of the fantastical (and hard to come by) Josef Frank textiles (also noted here at one of my favorite blogs) that were scattered all over the place and were perfect against the gorgeous backdrop. Also, be sure to stay after for a treat of costume genius.

Shots from our trip to Greece in 2006.

One of the Josef Frank Prints hanging as linens on clothes lines and looking oh sooo good.

Finally, (in my high school essay), I was nervous they were going to try and take this BIG broadway muscial ( a musical based on ABBA songs which makes it even more nuts) and actually film it in Greece so it felt real but they didn't. It had slow-mo leaps in the air, fuzzy focused filming, day dream sequences, big sychronized dance routines, and all out beefing it up edging ever so slighty on Bollywood.

Leave it all at the door and just enjoy. Meryl can do no wrong and listening to all that ABBA, seeing the beautiful Greek Islands and the lovely colors put me in a very good mood and helped remind me of some the amazing adventures I have had.

A perfect memory.