Friday 22 August 2008

The Feel Good Factor

First of all a huge WELL DONE to my two oldest nieces who have done brilliantly in their As and GCSEs. Well done girls! We're so proud of you!

But to other matters. On Wednesday night I organised a Girls Night Out to see Mamma Mia. Eight of us, ranging in age from late twenties to late sixties. When we got to the pub to meet up, we found yet more women – all enjoying a glass of wine and getting In The Mood. This was sisterhood at its best.

Having had a hectic day I was exhausted and felt most unlike going out – a glass of wine, a collapse and an early night was more what I felt like. But I had something to eat, picked up a friend and we walked into town together. It’s her 60th birthday next week so we were talking about her celebrations and got down to the pub where we met more friends, and by the time I’d had a few glasses of wine – well, I was raring.

The film is just terrific. I had expected it to be good but it was even better than I’d imagined. The location is fabulous – the Greek island of Skopelos, the cast is terrific – Meryl Streep excelled herself, as did Julie Walters and oh, the lovely Colin Firth. (A nice twist at the end there, with the lovely Colin.) Piers Brosnan was – well, Piers Brosnan, but he looks good in close up and the entire two hours went by in a flash.

At one point, as I dashed down to the loo, desperate to miss as little as possible, I thought, “I don’t want this to stop. I want this film to go on and on.”

The audience – mostly female – were a great lot. We sang, laughed, cried, clapped and I was dancing as well as you can sitting down. (Try it, it’s fun.) We emerged into the dark August night and grinned at each other, exchanged our favourite bits of the film. We all agreed that we wanted to go straight back and watch it all over again. But as it was late, we walked up the hill with smiles in our hearts, dancing in our feet and music in our heads.

I didn’t sleep much – I had too much music roaring round inside me. If you haven’t seen this film – GO! It will remind you that life can be terrific, that mothers and daughters are special, that friends and laughter are so important, and that love really does make the world go round.

And you know the best bit? That wonderful warm feeling stayed with me for the whole of the following day. It’s still with me now. Forget Prozac – go and see Mamma Mia. I'm hot footing off to get the DVD as soon as it hits the shops, so I can have a top up whenever I need it.

23 comments:

Lane Mathias said...

I will definitely GO! now:-) What a great way to see it, with loads of friends. Sounds like the perfect pick me up.

ps Well done fp's nieces:-)

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

I felt exactly like you did and the happy buzz carried on for days. Well work going.

I can't wait for the DVD to come out now.

Akelamalu said...

My friends and I have been talking about going to see it, we must, we really must!

Thanks for the great review and it's great you had such a good time after you really didn't want to be bothered!

Amanda said...

They should bottle the feeling Mamma Mia gives you, shouldn't they - they could make a fortune! Like you, I loved every moment of it!

Congrat to your nieces!

Elaine Denning said...

I'm so pleased you went and enjoyed yourself! Definitely going now!

Jenny Beattie said...

Oh Flowerpot, what a lovely evening. I so agree with you that the sisterhood is fab.

It isn't released until next week, but everyone here saw a preview of it while I was in England, so I'm going with my daughter!

Flowerpot said...

Lane - yes you must go. And I am so proud of my nieces!

debs - I'm feeling just like you! Let's hope this buzz continues...

Flowerpot said...

Ak - go and please let me know what you thought of it. If you only enjoy it half as much as I did, it'll be worth it!

Annie - bottling it is a great idea. I tried to leave a comment on your blog but it wouldn't let me!

Ellee Seymour said...

I must say I enjoyed it too, particularly the Greek setting and Meryl Streep who I thought was superb, perfect for the role.

Flowerpot said...

MissU - yes and go with some mates and have a few drinks first - makes it even better!

JJ - I hope you enjoy it - do let me know!

ellee - yes Meryl S was incredible. She has the most wonderful shaped face - and can sing as well as act. Sickening!

Pat Posner said...

Congrats to the nieces, Flowerpot. My step-grands did well, too!

Everybody's talking about Mamma Mia...I really must try to see it.

Aoj and The Lurchers said...

So glad you had such a good time FP!

Grump said...

I needed that pick me up after a week of the flu. Thanks Flowerpot.
Cheers Mark x

Irene said...

I've heard more people say good things about that film. I suppose I must go now. I love Meryl Streep and all the others too. Thanks for the great review.

Cornish Dreamer said...

fantastically worded FP. It was such a great movie. We enjoyed going with you and can't wait to get the DVD either!

Flowerpot said...

Pat - you must go and see it. A real tonic!

AOJ - thanks. Hope all is well with you too.

Grump - you poor thing. Hope you start to feel better soon. Take care.

Flowerpot said...

Irene - she's an incredible actress isnt she? She's grown on me (so to speak!) as she's matured though. And a great voice.

RT - yes it was a great evening. We can have DVD evenings as well!

the rotten correspondent said...

Oh, I want to see this SO badly. It sounds like you had a terrific time.

Good for you!

Flowerpot said...

RC - it was great. Not sure when it will e hitting your shores, or if it has already but do go!

ADDY said...

My daughter's been to see it, but I haven't got around to it yet. Will probably wait for the DVD now, but can't wait!!

Anonymous said...

Nothing like a good night out to refresh the soul. I've heard fantastic reviews about Mama Mia, might just go myself.

CJ xx

Grump said...

Unfortunately my partner who was/is an Abba fan, can't go and see this movie, any attempt to sing Abba songs has to be Abba. [Or herself with a hairbrush with her sisters] No one else can cut the mustard.
I hope Treen is still on your late summer touring agenda.
Woof x

Flowerpot said...

rosiero - it's a must! hope you enjoy it.

Crystal - we all need bouts of soul refreshing - go for it.

grump - yes Treen is on the list but we spent this weekend in Devon collecting a van!