September 10th, 2008

Actress Minnie Driver gave birth to a baby boy on Friday, September 5. Henry Story Driver weighed in at 9 lbs, 12 oz. at birth, and reports are that mother and baby are fine.

Coincidentally, there’s still no word on the Papa of the Driver (who apparently shall remain nameless). But no worries. Sources close to the situation say although Pops’ name isn’t publicized, and he and the actress aren’t even close to discussing marriage, he will definitely play an active role in the child’s upbringing. Which I guess is better than nothing at all.

This summer saw the release of another Hollywood adaptation of a Broadway hit.  Following in the leotards and tap shoes of Hairspray and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, this summer saw the release of Mamma Mia!

Now, Mamma Mia! has been thrilling audiences worldwide for several years now.  For those that don’t know, the show is a jukebox musical. Meaning, all of the songs used in the film are from the cannon of a particular artist.  Most of these end up flopping…but not Mamma Mia!

I’m sure by now you’ve heard how bad Pierce Brosnan is and how wishy-washy the story is.  Well, yes Pierce is no Frank Sinatra.  And the story isn’t Gone with the Wind.  But who cares!

The movie is fun and light-hearted and doesn’t take itself  too seriously.  I mean, it’s a musical with all disco songs—can it take itself too seriously?  Also, Meryl Streep lends the film some serious street cred.  Unlike most, she knows how to ACT a song.  She doesn’t just sit there and sing inviting all to bask in the golden sounds from her voice.  No, she takes a song, finds out the meaning behind it for her character, the motivation behind it and BAM there it is.

So, will this be up for any awards like Chicago?  No.  Not even a technical or artistic Oscar like Sweeney Todd.  But so what?  Go out, see the film, let loose and let your inner Dancing Queen come out and play!