Almost Wordless Wednesday: Skopelos & Skiathos

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I've seen the movie Mamma Mia! twice now, and I couldn't believe how incredibly beautiful the setting of the film was. The colors were so intense. The water was such an amazing turquoise blue. The sun was so bright. So I went online to investigate, and sure enough, the Greek islands of Skopelos and Skiathos, where Mamma Mia! was filmed are indeed as beautiful, if not more so, than they appeared in the movie. Like The Lord of the Rings was a travelogue for New Zealand, Mamma Mia! is a travelogue for Greece. My bags are packed, I'm ready to go.

Thanks for reading.

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17 comments:

Unknown said...

.... it all looks and sounds too good to be true! But, we'll all pack our bags and join you though. lol
I have not yet seen the movie ... did they use any dubbing for the singing as I can't imagine some of the actors and actresses in it having good voices let alone singing in pitch? I now that years ago with 'My Fair Lady' they brought in a professional singer to dub the singing parts of the film.
Just a thought, Polly

July 23, 2008 9:24 AM
Matthew S. Urdan said...

Hey Polly,

Unfortunately, they did NOT bring in any professional singers. Meryl Streep, Julie Walters, Christine Baranski and Amanda Seyfried--especially Amanda Seyfried sing more than just fine.

Dominic Cooper sings just fine.
Colin Firth is passable, and actually quite nice.

Stellan Skarsgard really can't sing and Pierce Brosnan never should have been cast. I can't sing, but I can carry a tune better than Pierce can. He butchers SOS and When All Is Said and Done and I really don't know what he brings to the movie at all.

But they all have fun and they're all really cutting loose and not holding anything back and the fun is infectious.

That's what you'll see the movie for--escape, fun, and joy--not for any compelling story or high drama or art.

The thing about the movie as opposed to the stage play is that on stage, the ABBA songs are the stars and the performers are vehicles to rejoice in the music of ABBA. In the movie, the stars are so over the top that they match the music in its energy and fun.

But as has been noted in the press recently, there have been hundreds of cover versions of ABBA's songs, and not a one comes close to the quality of an original recording. Even with all the ABBA musicians playing the music and recording the songs for the movie, the vocal performances do not live up to what Agnetha and Frida created in the 70s and 80s.

That is why there has never been a #1 hit from a cover version of an ABBA song. ABBA's music really was that good, and the bar was set so high, no performer has been able to approach it.

But the sets, all of them in Greece, from all the pictures I've found on the web, are that beautiful. I'm glad your bags are packed because I'm heading out soon! ;)

July 23, 2008 9:42 AM
Anonymous said...

The pictures are so beautiful. I haven't see this movie yet. Sounds like a great one, if not why would u wanna go for 2nd time. Good searching on the locations.

This looks like the most wonderful place on mother earth..

July 23, 2008 12:17 PM
MeiYah said...

I haven't seen that movie yet but the pictures are really great... so beautiful... captivating... good for you, you can actually visit the place.. good luck!

July 23, 2008 12:18 PM
tashabud said...

You went to see Mamma Mia again? Come to think of it, I would go see it again. I agree with you on the setting of the movie. It's just absolutely beautiful. If you're really going, make sure you take lots of pictures to post in your blog, so we all can oogle over them. Hehe.

July 23, 2008 1:48 PM
Anonymous said...

Oh I know what you mean! Greece is so secnic that I am desperate to go as well. It's one of my life's goals.

July 23, 2008 3:51 PM
Matthew S. Urdan said...

Atniz--the movie isn't so much as great as it's so much fun. It won't win any awards for screenwriting, acting, or singing--but it's pure joy, fun and exuberance. If you want to have a good time, have a lot of fun, and leave the movie happy with a grin a mile wide on your face, this movie is for you.

Miah--well, it was a figure of speech...I hope to visit these islands, and Greece, some day.

Tasha--see above. Yeah, some day I'll get there.

Mrs. Mecomber--maybe we can organize an EntreCard American commenter Top Dropper home school field trip event to the islands, eh?

July 23, 2008 4:15 PM
brexians said...

I hope that you will enjoy the visit in my country

all the best

July 23, 2008 7:07 PM
Robin Boland said...

Hi,
Just wanted to thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures with us. I love to look at the water. I could find relaxation there. :-)

July 23, 2008 7:37 PM
Amy Lilley Designs said...

..and I'm coming w/ you...seriously!!! lol

July 23, 2008 8:17 PM
Anonymous said...

I haven't seen the movie, but these photos are beautiful. Now I've got to add a trip to Greece to my list....

July 23, 2008 10:11 PM
Anonymous said...

OMG, those photos are absolutely breath taking. I have not seen the movie but I definitely think it's worth a watch. :)

July 23, 2008 10:12 PM
Anonymous said...

Hey Matt..

Kool Pictures.. The Greek Islands are on my "top 10" list..

I enjoyed cruising aroung your blog.. it's a good year to be a Red Wings fan eh?

I'm from Boston.. which is also a pretty good place to be from these days if your a sports fan :)

Anyway..

I wanted to spin by with a big "Thanks"..

You are one of my TOP 10 Entrecard Droppers and I appreciate the traffic.

To return the favor and to say "Thank You"...

I just nominated you for the "TOP DROPPER AWARD" at:

www.becomeamlmrockstar.com/drop_award

All The Best
John

ps:seriously.. "Way Kool Blog"

July 24, 2008 1:51 AM
Anonymous said...

How gorgeous! I'm putting it on my bucket list! Too bad I have to travel vicariously! Travel while you're still young!

July 24, 2008 2:27 AM
Matthew S. Urdan said...

Robin--it's my pleasure. Water does have a relaxing quality to it--especially beautiful, warm, calm water like this around the Greek isles.

Amy--Seriously? Hubba Hubba!

Lucky Girl and Crazy Mom--I know! See the movie...the country is so beautiful!

John, thanks for all the kind words and the nomination...I really appreciate it. I'm glad I'm one of your top droppers, and even more glad you enjoy visiting my blog.

Cindi--I'm trying so hard to visit all the places I want to go while I am a young enough and strong enough to make the most out of the experiences. Lying on the beach and soaking up the sun can wait for later. Much later, I hope!

Cheers all, and thanks for visiting!

July 24, 2008 7:33 AM
Azure Accessories said...

The photos are absolutely stunning...I would visit in a heart beat, it would be a dream come true...

Cheers

July 24, 2008 8:57 AM
SizzlingPopcorn.com Admin said...

These are beautiful pictures! They make me want to travel to Europe!

July 24, 2008 6:35 PM

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