"But since I've met you and moved to Sydney, I haven't listened to one ABBA song. That's because my life is as good as an ABBA song. It's as good as 'Dancing Queen.'" -
There are so many great lines in this movie ("You're terrible, Muriel"), but the one above best sums up the whole theme. All Muriel Heslop (Toni Collette) ever wanted was to get married. A high school dropout still living at home in Porpoise Spit, Australia with a verbally abusive (adulterous) father and a clueless mum, Muriel never seemed to fit in. She hangs out with her high school "friends" even though they don't really like her. The scene where they kick her out of the group is both hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time.
But a chance encounter with old friend Rhonda (Rachel Griffiths) begins Muriel's transformation. There are a couple of melodramatic themes in the movie, but that's what makes this comedy unique and timeless. Collette and Griffiths make a fantastic on-screen duo, especially in the talent show scene where they lip-sync (and win) ABBA's "Waterloo." And what a coincidence that they happened to have exact replicas of ABBA costumes and choreography on a moment's notice. The movie's so great that even silly things like that didn't even bother me.
Screenwriter/Director P.J. Hogan was originally refused by the band ABBA to use their songs in the movie. But when he promised to fly to Europe to plead his case in person, permission was granted, provided the band receive a percentage of profits from the film's release. The movie turned out to be such an international hit, that it inspired the very successful Broadway show Mamma Mia!
I could watch this movie again and again and never get tired of it. If you haven't seen this, please add this to your Netflix queue immediately! It's only available on DVD, but I'm praying that a Blu-ray™ release is coming up soon. But, since I know that Miramax is this close to being put up on Craigslist by Disney, I'm not holding my breath.
Did you know?: Toni Collette gained 40 pounds in 7 weeks for this role with the help of a dietician. Meanwhile, I feel like I've gained 40 pounds in 7 weeks with the help of a 2 for 1 sale on Keebler Fudge Shoppe cookies.
Credits:
Australia/France (CiBy 2000, Film Victoria, House & Moorhouse) 106m Color
Director: P.J. Hogan
Producer: Lynda House, Jocelyn Moorhouse, Michael D. Aglion, Tony Mahood
Screenplay: P.J. Hogan
Music: Peter Best
Cast: Toni Collette, Rachel Griffiths, Sophie Lee, Rosalind Hammond, Belinda Jarrett, Pippa Grandison, Bill Hunter, Jeanie Drynan, Daniel Wyllie, Gabby Millgate, Gennie Nevinson, Matt Day, Chris Haywood, Daniel Lapaine
Up Next: An American Werewolf In London (1981)
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