Movie Family Therapy: MAMMA MIA

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Why do we lie? What happens when we lie?
Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright are taking a look at the complicated family in Mamma Mia! They’re talking about honesty and what happens to relationships when we lie. Jonathan explains Sophie’s tendency to lie, where that comes from, and why we all lie. They talk about the stellar cast, less than stellar singing, and why this bad movie is so dang fun to watch.
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Written by: Megan Seawright, Jonathan Decker, and Alan Seawright
Produced by: Jonathan Decker, Megan Seawright, Alan Seawright, and Corinne Demyanovich
Edited by: Emily Colton
Director of Photography: Bradley Olsen
English Transcription by: Anna Preis
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[@CinemaTherapyShow]

If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/cinematherapy for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy with a licensed professional specific to your needs.

[@wheelchairfly]

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[@Furious_Zen]

Did you miss the part where they created a front operation, listed other, outside therapists details without permission, and then pretended those therapists were busy to funnel patients into BetterHelp? That's only the tip of the iceberg. This company is fucked, and you should be ashamed for this stance. It makes me think you've got some sort of stake in the company or you're being taken for a ride. I've watched your channel for a long while, but I won't be continuing to watch or support you as long as you simp for this malicious sweat-shop version of therapy that preys on the vulnerable.

[@RebelRosers]

Do look how realistic the psychology we see in movies is . And how the advice and values work in real life

[@TheUmbroDragon]

I know you guys probably like to look for the best in people. But better help is not a good sponsor. They have some very malicious practices, you can hear more about them by looking into them and how they are selling private info from the site to social media apps. I implore you to look into them.

[@asterismos5451]

Really disappointing to see you guys promoting BetterHelp. Please be better.

[@darkecofreak23]

My Three Dads: James Bond, Mr. Darcy, and Bootstrap Bill Turner. 😂

[@jmboyd65]

And Baron Harkonnen 😂

[@trinaq]

Haha, I love that they even throw in a 007 joke, with Harry saying "Bright, Harry Bright", with a former James Bond standing right next to him.

[@daniellemusella1594]

@darkecofreak Stellan also played Commander Richter, head of the Swiss guard, in "Angels and Demons". Piers did a great job as Chiron in the first "Percy Jackson movie". And who can forget "Love, Actually", am I right? (5/14/2024)

[@charlesderousseau1576]

Not to ruin your thunder but this is clearly Thomas Crown, Galahad and Dr Erik Selvig

[@Durahan82]

Fuck around and find out: The Movie

[@Jonathan_Collins]

Fun Fact about this film a lot of the 'extra's who you see dancing are actually locals who live on the Island and asked if they could join in. The people on the docks dancing were all locals living on the island originally not intended to be in the film!

[@saveyoutub]

Rainbow story time 🌈

[@Skooskah]

Oh my god I love this! One of the best things about this film is how everyone there looks like they're having so much fun, so it's even better to know the locals were purely there for the party haha

[@trinaq]

Neat, it really adds to the fun and inclusivity of the entire film, and the joy is really infectious!

[@Alacaelum]

That is a cool tidibit. Kinda impressive that the direction accepted and instructed them well enough for the movie. Bet this movie has a special place in everyone's heart there.

[@janicchi]

The man on the ship playing the piano in "Dancing Queen" is also one of the two mens from ABBA

[@keeliabuchanan2489]

Calling this movie “a drunken karaoke party with A-list actors” is hands downs the BEST and most accurate description of this movie I’ve ever heard! 😂🙌🏻

[@lauraschoenborn3544]

I have never heard such a more accurate description of it. And I love how Alan flat out says this movie sucks but it is so enjoyable to watch.

[@aishichakraborty1881]

It makes sense cus all of the actors were infact drunk doing this movie

[@marshmallsy]

There's something about this first Mamma Mia movie that just RADIATES joy to me. The deep, loving bonds between friends, the way Sophie spends the whole movie trying to connect with her father but ends with recognizing all her mother's efforts and honoring her instead, it's just all so FUN! It certainly helps that everyone apparently had a blast filming this movie and getting drunk on a beautiful Greek island lmao

[@trinaq]

Seconded, it's the perfect movie to watch with your mum. Sophie and Donna's bond is the highlight of these movies, and Amanda and Meryl really convince as a daughter and mother.

[@lusalma5404]

It works because the 6 older actors of the main cast are just having a blast. I mean logically doesn't work because the age gap between mother and daughter is actually 20 years too much :) The musical is wonderful as well and well... flipper dance.

[@arokh72]

@@lusalma5404 I'd always thought Donna had aged quite a lot from 1979 (Mamma Mia Here We Go Again) and, I presume, 1999, or thereabouts, since Mamma Mia is set 20 years after she had her dot dot dot :)

[@lusalma5404]

@@arokh72 and everything makes even less sense with the sequel :) But it is a fun rompy pick up your mood movie and musical.

[@katielittle2901]

@@lusalma5404hey that’s just what happens when you get too much sun living on a Greek island 😂

[@libraryanne2392]

Responding to the critics who panned Pierce Brosnan's voice, he replied (something to the effect) "But we all had SO MUCH FUN!" What a great response to the trolls!

[@Goddybag4Lee]

Pierce Brosnan is such a lovable and cool guy.

[@kellycady6325]

Brosnan apparently knew he couldn't sing & thought it was a bad idea, but they really wanted him, so he got voice lessons, & despite being terrified, he gave it everything he had.

[@Goddybag4Lee]

@@kellycady6325 I might be the only one who actually think he can sing. But it's very "This is how James Bond would sing with too much alcohol and smoking".

[@zombiemoshery]

I actually kinda unironically love his bad singing 😂 it's not great but it has character

[@beingbeckeroni]

I saw this in theaters with my mom because we saw the US Tour when I was younger (I had to comfort my mom during “Slipping Through My Fingers” and then once I was older and able to appreciate our relationship we held hands and cried through the song) and I will NEVER forget the audible groans EVERYTIME Pierce Brosnan opened up her mouth to sing 😂😂😂 This musical/film is the perfect example of mindless, fluffy camp with a few poignant moments. You don’t tune in to model relationships/acts, you just tune in to have fun… One of my mom’s fave bits of the musical was when the trio of men join in with the crazy disco outfits and when they appeared on screen at the end, she out loud said, “OMG LOOK AT THEM!” And the whole theater erupted in renewed laughter and applause…

[@CameronMetrejean]

I read that when Pierce Brosnan signed onto this film he had no idea what it was, only that it would be filmed in Greece and Meryl Streep was in it. And honestly, that’s all I would need too

[@TheHubbabubbababe]

Which is exactly how I would choose roles if I was an actor 😂 what are you gonna do!? Say no to Meryl in Greece?! I think not

[@brandon91191]

I would sign up to play a horse manure cleaner if I had the chance to do a project with Meryl Streep in Greece.

[@rmsgrey]

A question this episode raises but doesn't address is "What is a 'good movie'?". If the purpose of Mamma Mia is to entertain, and the movie does, does it matter that the plot is Shakespeare grade, and the actors can't sing, but pour their heart into the performance anyway?

[@xger21]

I wish more people had this view. There's this incessant need to "critical analyze" everything, and so often that just misses the point. Trying to paint art as, essentially, "objectively" good or bad is just weird.

[@samniel]

I was going on about that: if the movie did its job, it was charming, entertaining, and the actors were enjoying themselves without phoning it in (I'd argue even Brosnan wasn't phoning it in he just really needs some singing lessons), why is it "bad"?

[@manasas868]

Literally the part that irritated me in this video and all the other movie critiques who analyse movie. If the movie's job was to entertain u and it has done the job. Then it's a pretty great movie. That's it

[@seeschwalbe]

I mean, being able to capture the whole silly energy and feel-good sunny-ness everyone seems to have had on this amazing set is probabaly not that easy. Yes, the story isn't super deep, yes, most of the budget probably went into the song licences and a-list actors, but they made it work. I have watched so many "better" movies that don't make me feel half as much as this one, and I think making the viewer actually feel things is the most difficult part. This movie has done that exceedingly well, so I don't care if these emotions are just "fluffy sunshine" instead of "deeply thought provoking abd existential", this movie has pulled off that magic trick, and that makes it one if the best movies I've watched.

[@queenannsrevenge100]

With perhaps one exception, I usually dislike musicals. I am grateful for Allan and Jono for covering this movie because I probably never would have known much about it otherwise.

[@aaroneinhorn5529]

"You know what I love about Meryl Streep?" "Everything?" That's absolutely right. Good on you, Alan.

[@ericthompson3982]

This is a correct statement.

[@trinaq]

I liked how nobody judged Donna for her wild past, not even Sophie. The Mother/Daughter relationship was always the best part of these movies.

[@aawillma]

Good point. She was rightly judged for being a liar but there really wasn't any slur shaming going on.

[@ultimatebishoujo29]

I know

[@aaroneinhorn5529]

"Her wild past." Yes, how dare a woman in her early twenties have sex with three different men over the course of a wild summer in the late 70's/early 80's. I'm just saying, Donna's past isn't all that wild by today's standards.

[@mariaclaudiafeitosa3136]

Yeeees absolutely, they are the heart of the movie. My mom always cries when we see the slipping through my fingers scene. We always have a moment together, and it's so emotional

[@ultimatebishoujo29]

@@aaroneinhorn5529 that’s true

[@You-dont-get-to-know-1001]

I can’t believe they skipped “Slipping through my Fingers” I was so looking forward to seeing Alan cry.

[@santos8468]

They wanted to keep with the dishonesty theme, but I wished they had kept it in as well.

[@sophie1564]

Yeah! I was hoping the episode would be more about the themes of family/growing up, ageing, pressure on women to marry, and the mother and daughter relationship of the film because that scene is so beautiful.

[@oblivionangel13]

​@sophie1564 yeah missed opportunity on their part. Instead it's another poop on a movie that people enjoy. Very annoyed.

[@sophie1564]

@@oblivionangel13 Yeah, I was surprised they didn't show more empathy for Donna. I was expecting them to go a little more deeply into the reasons why she was 'lying' to Sophie. I think Jono and Allan are totally allowed to dislike movies they review but when they don't give proper/balanced reviews and just eviscerate the characters it really annoys me. Particularly when it's a movie that many women love and connect with (like Mamma Mia and Labyrinth). I feel like they should have brought in female guests for these episodes like they have in the past.

[@rebecky5ever]

Honestly I don't know why ABBA had such specific songs but I'm glad they did.(also I'm glad all these a-list drama actors got to do something fun and campy)

[@LiekkeenValve]

Because ABBA was two married couples who wrote about their own experiences? 😂

[@rue...whenwasthis]

I mean they wrote the musical based off the songs

[@Maribelinda63]

Exactly, I wondered why they didn't choose songs with lyrics that got along with the story. They had plenty to pick up from!

[@heathercontois4501]

@@LiekkeenValve And then they hated being a band.

[@rue...whenwasthis]

@@Maribelinda63 BESTIE WHAT DO YOU MEAN? Literally the movie is an adaptation of a musical that was written SPECIFICALLY around these songs. The story was written FOR these songs (apologies if you feel attacked, tone over youtube comments never translates)

[@Uncle_T]

To be fair to pierce Brosnan he was well aware of the fact that he can't carry a tune to save his life but he said f*ck it and went all in anyway, kudos for that. But yeah he doesn't sound great. :)

[@Colopty]

Frankly I can respect that.

[@hallaloth3112]

I. . .actually kind of enjoy the imperfection of his voice. Lets be real, most of the planet can't even carry tune, and while his voice sounded rough. . . I don't think he sounded awful. I had a pretty solid choral background for a good chunk of my life, if an unprofessional one. It could be much, much worse.

[@marieclaudebedard6728]

But...OMG he looks sooo good!♥️♥️♥️

[@kai_winchester_66]

I commend him because he put his all into the performance though

[@jbcatz5]

Not being able to carry a tune is after all a karaoke staple

[@Jonathan_Collins]

I think it's genius how they created a context story for all these different songs. They aren't just one song after another in this, these lyrics contain plot now.

[@ultimatebishoujo29]

Well originally it’s a broadway musical

[@crystalward1444]

​@@ultimatebishoujo29the musical was written by the two male members of the band.

[@gracehowell.]

I mean, they very much changed many of the lyrics to fit the story.

[@hannahschrenk7981]

My parents never kept it a secret from us that our oldest sister was an accident that lead to their shotgun wedding. Because of that, myself and all my siblings were very careful with relationships, didn't start actually dating until we were adults, and had very few relationships before finding our permanent partners. Being honest with your kids is so important. Letting them learn from your mistakes allows them to skip having to make the same mistake themselves in order to learn the lesson.

[@dutchvanl]

Giving context for the advice you give people, especially your kids, is so important. Hearing "don't do this" doesn't have nearly the impact of, "I did this and these were the consequences and these were the lessons I learned and this is why I wouldn't recommend going down that path, even though it looks attractive."

[@scarsound]

Agreed 100%

[@Kai-Xi]

as my dad is fond of saying, "life's too short to make all the mistakes yourself"

[@SynchronizorVideos]

Exactly. Hiding your past mistakes from your kids is just helping them to make the same mistakes themselves. My mom was a bit of a rebel as a teenager and got into drugs for a little while before finding faith. While she wasn’t exactly keen to tell detailed stories about those days, she didn’t hide it either, and used those experiences to teach me and my siblings about how dangerous that stuff could be.

[@kpl-CA]

I was the "shotgun" baby, and I was hated, resented, neglected and abused for it. My parents *never* accepted responsibility for their poor choices, dishonesty and laziness, and instead they blamed me. It was bad enough that SW were involved. My Grandmother & Aunt raised me to make up for my loser, selfish parents. My best friend was also a "shotgun" baby who was blamed as well. Their hypocrisy, hatred, selfishness and bigotry was revealed. They were revealed as monsters and they knew it. And they deserved blame. They never apologised. I hope they burn in h*ll. That's what taught me, I had kids by choice, and I NEVER blamed children for my choices. People who do are monsters.

[@yugopolis861]

My dad was obsessed with this movie, we watched it together million times. Mum was always saying 'why you keep watching this crap, this movie is not good' and never watched it with us. My father died. Few months later, for Christmas, here we go again was on TV for the first time. We watched it together with my mum and she said 'oh dad would watch it if he was with us'. ❤️❤️

[@trinaq]

My condolences, your father will always be with you, and you'll always have this film as part of your memories with him, to treasure forever. 💖

[@larafranke1802]

Oh the scene before the baptism must have been very tearful for you 🫂🫂♥️

[@At327]

This was one of my mom’s favorite movies, and I could never stand it. She passed away in October, and this one, and the sequel both made me sob and miss her, but it reminded me of her light and joy in the music she loved.

[@Narra0002]

That’s so wholesome

[@prophetessoftroy]

Also, Christine Baranski is CRIMINALLY underrated always, but in this movie particularly. She and Julie Walters make it.

[@sylvirgiomanach1491]

Christine Baranski is a *treasure.* 🥰 Everything she's in, she absolutely owns.

[@peachledesma4790]

Especially in the second one!!

[@LivingFire_BurningFlame]

The energy they had on film was a direct translation of the environment on set. They had an absolute blast filming this and you can tell. It’s legendary. There are photos from their wrap party on location and it didn’t even seem like they had stopped filming.

[@Iknowitsweird]

You know, my ex used to go on and on about how Nickelback isn't a good band, yet he would listen to it with me and enjoy it. I eventually got sick of it and told him to stop critiquing and just listen to the darn music, and leave it to an art historian to decide if we were on the wrong side of history or not. You can't help what you like or don't like. And Mamma Mia! was clearly designed to hit emotional beats that touch women's hearts deeply through music, movement, and love, so is it really that bad? And if it is, can't I just enjoy my favorite actors playing dress up and singing karaoke badly on stage?

[@freizeitfashionista6536]

Tbh I don't think it would have worked if it all was autotuned and pitch corrected into oblivion and body doubled by perfect dancers. This feels like real people letting loose and feel their feelings. That's why no matter how often you watch it, it resonates. On an unrelated note: will you give me away? - yeah. I wanted to cry anyway right now 😅

[@manasas868]

Period . Say it louder 🤌

[@janetmeils9641]

I don’t know why Nickleback gets such a bad rap!

[@Skooskah]

"pitch please ✨" I'm dying 💀

[@cherylmiller7603]

This was a movie made by people just having a blast. No one is pretending they're a great singer or dancer. Period. This was all made possible because ABBA music is just so absolutely great. I would have been happy had they tried to "shoe horn" even more songs into it.

[@Lunasera]

I actually like that not all actors in this movie are great singers. They all sound decent enough and it makes them more relatable to me. Maybe because it reminds me of my mom. She is awful at hitting notes, lost every game of SingStar or karaoke we ever played, but she would sing with so much joy and fun that it didn't matter that she was off. Having great singers in a musical is wonderful but it can also be great to have "normal" singers.

[@ultimatebishoujo29]

That’s true

[@hallaloth3112]

So true though. The world is not populated with people who can even carry a tune. A little rough around the edge vocals isn't bad. I wouldn't even say anyone here has a particularly grating voice. But then, I enjoy a lot of FILK music, very little of which is done by professional singers, you get used to rough edges and not quite tuned pitches.

[@stephenbradford8524]

If I'm having a bad day, I watch the "Lay All Your Love On Me" scene and feel better.

[@ultimatebishoujo29]

I can understand that

[@k1tkat-kate]

That scene is Peak Cinema, and Alan can fist fight me about it.

[@burdeegirl]

The dancing guys on the dock is the best part of that whole song

[@santos8468]

Super sexy scene

[@hannahpatwell5435]

The way Jono just NOPED out of his chair had me snorting with laughter 🤭😂

[@kazza6078]

"This is bad. I love it" my favorite genre of movie!

[@jackstutz2860]

Alan, I don't know any single person who thinks this movie is good. That being said, everyone I know loves this movie with all their heart

[@crystalward1444]

Yeah. Alan needs to avoid the sequel unless he's in need of...of...of...well, I don't know! That thing threw continuity out the window...tied to a rock, which plunged deep into the Adriatic.

[@nahomichavelas2219]

😔I actually thought is a really good movie lol is my favorite one actually 😂

[@kay-jay1581]

Sorry but I was surprised that there a lot of people who think this movie is bad. I was really confused I always thought it was good and loved watching with my mom and my sister. We have watched it a few times together now I feel like it’s time to watch it again. In fact I have friends who loved this movie a lot and like it because they spend time with their sisters, friends and moms. Maybe is too much of a silly “chick flick” but no I don’t think this movie is bad. It’s a ton of fun it has lots of heart, they have good dialogues. If it’s just bad because it’s just a bit long or because elf too many secrets then this movie is not for you. It doesn’t mean is a horrible or shitty movie. Now Madam Web and remake of fantastic 4 , those movies are just crap 😂

[@sophie1564]

@@crystalward1444 Yeah, the second one sucked lol.

[@Spamhard]

@@kay-jay1581 I think men are especially quick to label anything women orientated 'bad' especially when it's made for fun or entertainment. You rarely see CT so quick to constantly say "this film is bad!" in other videos even with relatively 'junky' films, so it's sad they're doing it here imo. Like, we already know this isn't deep or high art, there's no need to keep repeating that. The point is the movie was made to be fun and enjoyable, and it does exactly what it aimed to do, there's no necessity to keep going "it's bad tho!" between any praise it's given.

[@Vanillra]

slipping through my fingers makes me cry, EVERY. TIME.

[@FB711_]

I started tearing up as soon as the first note hit. Gotta admit I was mildly annoyed at the way this video blue-tearglanded me.

[@EtherealSunset]

You're not the only one. When this film first came out, it was the first time I'd heard that particular song and I was watching it with my mum at the cinema. We were both in floods, as was pretty much everyone else in the cinema. A year later, I was a mum. I'm at the point where it makes me both think of my child and how my mum has felt about me through the year, so double the tears every time. It's such a beautiful song.

[@RainbowSunshineRain]

I lied for my first 2 jobs that I had more experience that I actually did. They hired me, and then I spent tens of weekends catching up and stressing to hide my lie. It was traumatizing for me. Now I am happy to honestly say when I don't know.

[@MissingRaptor]

The sad part is that sometimes that's the only way to get hired 😞 It sucks this happened to you. Hopefully you're in a place where you never need to do that again.

[@SilverionX]

I think it's important to allow yourself to like things, even if other people don't like them. Such as Mama Mia.

[@victoriabungart4330]

Sorry Alan, you can't convince me that this movie is crap, this movie is a masterpiece

[@witcherye]

as someone who was always wary of men since childhood, watching sophie's scene with her 3 "dads" on the boat was so pure for me. I watched that when I was a kid and I remember liking that they were so caring towards her with no ulterior motives

[@brighidmcmullen9577]

I watched this movie for the 1st time with my mother-in-law last year & I remember cringing when she was about to get on the boat because a scene like that is never ever done in a way that respects women. I was blown away when the men weren't creepy or treated her as inferior or like a child. It is a beautiful thing to see.

[@witcherye]

@@brighidmcmullen9577 I agree, maybe it's weird but I get a little emotional just remembering it. It's a scene with just four humans having fun and bonding with each other

[@brighidmcmullen9577]

@witcherye it's not weird at all. It just shows how sad & screwed up our society is that something as simple as men treating a woman decently stands out and has this effect on us.

[@sophie1564]

@@brighidmcmullen9577 Yes! That's one of my favourite things about this movie. All three of her dad's absolute pure love for her. I also love how it ends with her choosing not to find out which dad is actually her biological one.

[@shadeblackwolf1508]

The passion in this movie is incredible, everyone is clearly giving 130% and struggling not to laugh outside of intended moments

[@Wander85942]

Mama Mia and the sequel are such a comfort. During lockdown I watched them on a loop with Will Ferrel’s Eurovision movie and Frozen 2. It kept me sane

[@burdeegirl]

The scene in Frozen 2 where Olaf summarizes the events of Frozen cracks me up

[@annikastonefieldt7941]

Love this selection!!

[@crystalward1444]

The sequel has some BAD continuity issues with the first. While Bill's backstory was fun, it's too bad they messed up Harry's so horribly.

[@TheicMoggy]

​​@@crystalward1444is it the part where Donna meets Harry first in Paris? The diary in 1 mentioned that Harry went by the island implying that Donna already knew him. That part wasn't in the movie but Harry did go after her to the island but we only saw him missing the boat. The diary still stands.

[@soph5976]

@@TheicMoggy yeah and the fact that donna's mother is suddenly alive? idk at least in the 1st movie it was implied she died "somebody up there has in it for me. I bet it's mother". i love the sequel nonetheless

[@larakinan7081]

The idea of this film where Sophie makes every wrong decision at every turn and still ending up with the best possible outcome has such a nice warm feeling to it

[@stormfischerr]

1:30 they were actually drunk quite a bit filming this movie lol

[@catdragon2584]

That explains a lot, actually

[@ultimatebishoujo29]

@@catdragon2584lol yes

[@alechall7082]

Seemingly, the crew as well. The camera is alllll over the place, lol.

[@jesusnthedaisychain]

I've got to say, my dad was incredibly honest with me about all of the dumb, reckless and oftentimes illegal things he did before I was born, and all it did was convince me to learn from his experiences and respect his honesty. It was nice being able to trust the man from day one.

[@daniellemusella1594]

The flashback scenes in "Here We Go Again" are a great display of Donna's huge insecurity in relationships, which, pretty clearly, come from her mother's emotional neglect. Rather than sitting down and calmly letting Sam explain his family life and expectations back home, she runs him off, turning on him in such a quick, dramatic way. Watching that bit, I remember having the vibe of her thoughts, as being, "I KNEW he was too good to be true! He doesn't care! He's just like my mother!' Sam had his own insecurities back then, too. All he had to do was stay on that island and fight for Donna. He could've ignored what that old lady said, defiantly sat down at the table, and waited for her to return from the boat trip. Her could've even told Rosie and Tanya who he was, and his side of the story. They could've helped him better explain things to her. But instead, his low self-esteem caused him to panic and leave. It cost them both so much, down the road in life. He could been holding Donna's hand, when she gave birth, promising to raise the baby as his, whether she actually was or not. They might've gotten married much earlier, and/or given Sophie siblings. All that potential was thrown away, because of fear. I feel like this would be a great basis for another video. (5/14/2024)

[@4444randomness]

This film is basically a warning how awkward things can get if you lie

[@jbcatz5]

If this is a warning Liar Liar is one of those anti-drug specials from the 80’s, lacking in any subtlety whatsoever.

[@4444randomness]

@@jbcatz5 ok sure, all I was saying was that this movie is awkward

[@rexiemoto]

That scene “slipping through my fingers” makes me cry every time. 😭

[@Tallness1000]

I’ve had “Take a Chance on Me” stuck in my head on a constant loop for the past month. Thanks for keeping it going Jonno.

[@zsuzsanna227]

I love this movie, and I have to admit my favourite moment is when James Bond starts singing an ABBA song. The first time Pierce Brosnan turned around and started singing SOS, I burst out in laughter. It's just so surreal. I think he was the perfect choice for this role, and I actually love his singing.

[@artnHim]

Same I really don’t mind his singing voice. I like how realistic it sounds.

[@hallaloth3112]

I think you can tell his put his all into it. No, it isn't perfect. . .I also don't think it had to be. Most people can't carry a tune and can still scrap by sounding decent.

[@limecilla7612]

If Pierce Brosnan was Pierce Brosnan, and he could sing on top of it, people would hate him. But he can't sing, so we can relate. One of us, Pierce!

[@carlamaria8740]

You NEED to watch the second one. Make it about a comparison of relationships or dealing with grief. Im a huge mamma mia fan and this has made me really happy. Thank you and hugs from Spain ❤

[@sierrareyelts1481]

Yes 2nd movie please! I'm also dying to know your thoughts on the quality of the relationships, especially on Donna and Sam

[@awesomenessindaface]

Now I need y'all to do Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants...

[@Linnellen]

Yes! 🙌

[@ragingangel7424]

The greatest lesson in family communication this film taught me was, who is getting what for each other at Christmas? That's how we ended up with four copies of this on dvd in the house one year.

[@caitbarry9617]

OMG same! I think my mum and dad bought a copy, my auntie got us a copy and then my friend got me a copy!

[@ingridsoderhielm8324]

Could you please do a cinema therapy on Moulin Rouge? Also I love your videos, you’re both incredible

[@the_piano_nerd4960]

I would go feral. Please please

[@IXScasualty]

Oh geez I only have one wish in life and it’s this

[@ingridsoderhielm8324]

Same

[@BB_Creative]

My god do I love this movie! My mom and I love this movie and we cry all the time watching this movie because we didn’t use to really bond over movie’s until we watched this movie. We both cried and ended up bonding over this movie. Watched the sequel too and everything. Movies has always been a big deal to my family because we love to watch them together. Have that moment with my mom is something I will always cherish!! ❤❤❤

[@CinemaTherapyShow]

That's so sweet. Thanks for sharing and watching!

[@mollywhingo5186]

15:45 All I can think of is the "drive by fruiting" scene from Mrs Doubtfire where Robin Williams nails Pierce Brosnan in the back of the head with a lime lol

[@Luubelaar]

"run by fruiting" RIP Robin Williams.

[@ReversedShadows]

Never seen this film. I read the plot on wikipedia and was constantly thinking "What?" "Why?" and "That makes no sense!" But I guess when you let good actors go ham and have a good time then it all works out XD

[@lizzyrank5405]

I really think their soundtrack. Also the fathers in this movie were so good. I loved that they all wanted to take responsibility and in the end still stood by her even if they dont truly know who the father is

[@edo0girl2.03]

Mamma Mia is one of my favorite junk food movies. It's so fun and infectious.

[@karolinafarsewicz1490]

Not me absolutely dyyyying at the faint off screen 'oh nooo' from Jono at 'its a Stellan experience' 😂😂😂 404 Jono not found 😂😂 outdone yourselves. I'm cry laughing

[@JennBrown222]

Let's not forget that this is a movie adaptation of a stage musical that strung a bunch of essentially unrelated existing songs into a story - that it's only a little incoherent is kind of a miracle.

[@julietardos5044]

If you want to see Colin Firth playing "uptight British man," may I recommend The King's Speech? It's excellent, and I think it would fit in perfectly with the aims of CT.

[@kaniamia]

I’m not going to step forward and say, “You’re wrong; this is a good movie,” but I am going to say, “Hey guys, maybe this movie wasn’t made for you.” This movie was absolutely made for people like my mom and I, who always listened to ABBA on family road trips, who watched the stage musical together, and who then a few years later watched this movie together. We both loved it. So shhh. 🙂

[@frizzlethecat2084]

"Bad movie, curiously enjoyable" is a good summary. And yes, it's probably the "all those very good actors seem to be having a blast"-thing that makes this movie fun. I

[@LoraK31]

I need a breakdown from you guys on how this movie can simultaneously be crap but also be super enjoyable and have emotionally deep characters. The math isn't mathing here! Joy just radiates from everyone in this movie, and it will always be a comfort movie, so I'm definitely biased here, but I just need to know why you call it bad when it has all these great components going for it

[@mikimakotini3893]

"You gotta get some Skars up in your gard" DEAD 🤣🤣

[@moonriversou]

Can you make a video on human endurance displayed in Society of the Snow? I feel like the film unapologetically shows us the most grotesque side of survival while also dabbling in conversation of the human condition. It's such a beautiful film, I've been obsessed

[@tracer.s]

I second this and mean this in fondness, but lord was it a whiplash to be tipsilly watching a happy recap of Mama Mia and then see someone mention Society of the Snow, lmao

[@annapuczyowska8772]

I support this notion!!

[@sophie1564]

Yes! I would absolutely love that!

[@moonriversou]

​@@tracer.s LMAOOO I DIDNT EVEN REALISE THATS WHAT I DID. That film has been on my mind these past few days non-stop.

[@octaviamacisaac8062]

This film will forever be one of my favourites. I used to watch it with my mom, now that she's dead this film makes me cry but I still love it craziness and all.

[@theresac.4593]

This film was my safe place throughout my childhood and youth. For a while I watched this film several times a month. Whenever I was sad and afraid I watched Mamma, Mia and I always felt a little better afterwards. Mainly because of the music. That's why now as an adult I don't care that it's not very good and I still watch it at least once a year. It just makes me happy.🎉

[@calicomarker]

I love Mamma Mia so much, I’m not the first to say this but watching it as a Daughter always makes me think of my Mother. Slipping Through my Fingers as a song, aswell as Sophie asking Donna to give her away never fails to make me cry despite the lack of context. This movie is just so deeply emotional about the trials Mother’s face and that relationship between a Mother and their Daughter I love it

[@tkp3751]

If we're digging into modern musicals, may I suggest "Repo! The Genetic Opera" for all sorts of family dynamics? Nathan (Anthony Stewart Head) protecting his daughter from his secret life as a corporate assassin and keeping her locked away and Rotti Largo (Paul Sorvino) regretting spoiling his kids are a great basis for 2 entirely separate episodes. I bet you could even get Terrance Zdunich on to talk about creating it. The biggest issue would be censoring all the blood... Because there's a lot... But Joan Jett shows up to play guitar for the rebellious teenage girl song! And Sarah Brightman is fantastic! It's campy. It's got great family therapy moments. It's got *amazing* songs. And the story itself is actually opera-worthy.

[@SaucyJTD]

I second this!

[@CSRaeburn]

I third this.

[@MissingRaptor]

Yes please! I fourth this 🍀

[@stephens101student]

The closest I can get to them talking about relationships in the devil's carnival would be to talk about Repo. Please do this!

[@SurrendertheCog]

I like to tell people that R!TGO is the best worst movie they will ever see but they have to embrace the absolute camp of it

[@masonjenks7636]

I did a local theater production of Mamma Mia and absolutely LOVED every second of it. Thanks again Cinema Therapy!

[@gajumi]

This was posted right after my closing night of the musical! Me and my cast loved analyzing the psychology of the characters while they played them, and now I get to watch the Internet Dads do the same. It’s like the cherry on top!

[@billeeheeseung4065]

omg my two fav things together finally happened 😭 mamma mia and movie dads 💕

[@SaucyJTD]

My equivalent to Jono's accountability kink is a communication kink. I know it's done for drama, but holy fricking hell, does it get under my skin if it goes on for too long 😂. If I'm into someone, and then I have to start dragging information from them, I'll quickly lose interest 😅. Also... let Jono siiiiiiing! 🕺

[@sarahomiracle]

"let the truth have its day and let the chips fall where they may." Adding that to my life motto stash.

[@tamrasmith1744]

Between the film, Broadway and touring company productions, my mom has seen this more times than I can remember. I’m going to send her this video.

[@CinemaTherapyShow]

We hope she enjoys it!

[@jennyF2158]

I need therapy after listening to Piers Brosnan sing

[@CinemaTherapyShow]

True 😂😂

[@maryhales4595]

B- for effort, Pierce. 😅

[@MusicLoverInTheSky]

He wasn't that bad. 😂 I'm not saying he was good, just that it wasn't that bad. 🤣

[@SD-ik1xf]

I feel a kind of reluctant admiration for Piers Brosnan though. Doing this movie with other such incredible actors (actual Broadway musical performers!) and knowing darn well he can’t sing, and knowing that not only will the other actors realize he can’t sing but the whole world is going to know as well. That takes guts!!

[@ArchAngelHiel]

I dont lie my autism actually keeps me from lying by being brutally honest lol 😅

[@CartoonJessie]

And as for your comparison to Chernobyl - both Mama Mia and Chernobyl have the incredible Stellan Skarsgard CRUSHING it.

[@AW-uv3cb]

This movie has so much heart in it, and is so unashamedly feel-goody and silly, and the cast just really goes for it. I love everything about it and always cry and laugh as I watch it (also: Sophie's dress is absolutely beautiful!)

[@biancathebing6]

Four years ago I very suddenly lost my best friend who was basically my sister growing up. I got a phone call and she was just gone. She was 20 years old. This movie was always one that we watched together growing up and she basically styled herself after the character Sophie, from her hair to her clothes, everything. I haven’t been able to watch any part of this movie for all that time without bursting into tears and having to shut it off or walk away. Today was the first time that I’ve been able to see any clips of Mamma Mia without having that reaction and just be able to enjoy this stupidly good movie with your guys’ commentary. ❤ (And thank god you didn’t play any Dancing Queen audio or I would be a mess right now!😅)

[@Blazingstudios882]

Can you do a cinema therapy on Bruce Almighty?

[@WhatsAModderU]

Solid suggestion!

[@tarahansen8072]

And The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

[@CountLilac]

Ooo yes and liar liar

[@Xk8rsx]

please can you guys do a video about high school musical???? that would be amazing and i low key wanna see alan suffer lol be a lot to unpack in those movies

[@CinemaTherapyShow]

We're actually filming a High School Musical episode next week! (It'll be out some time this summer) Just the first movie this time around, but we might have to come back to the other two later.

[@jbcatz5]

@@CinemaTherapyShowSo it’s the start of something new? I actually think there is more to Troy than is on the surface, and plenty worth analysing.

[@tascharahernandez5867]

The number one thing that makes bad movies good is the actors enjoying themselves. Its a plus if at least one of them chews the scenery.

[@madelynloellke6072]

"This is a bad movie" Alan, we love you, but those are some fighting words. You're pushing the line, Scoob

[@renaegraves6230]

Best part of my week is seeing my favorite Internet dads drop a new video 😌

[@MrChava54]

"It's almost like it's coming from a guy who has a dad!" HA! Sophie doesn't have a dad! That's hilarious!

[@m.thompson3919]

The description of everyone being told "Make it bigger!" in every scene makes the movie make so much more sense. 🤣

[@ostaruempire]

I randomly saw this movie at a clinic when I got an ear infection, and that's my only memory of it

[@irinacan3492]

The whole film feels like celebration for me. Celebration of love, friendship, parenthood and life in general. And this film has genius music at the core of it. I don't care about any flaws because it brings me so my joy every time I watch.

[@lena0089]

I love this movie! And maybe I am tone-deaf, but I never thought that Piers Brosnan's singing was that awful... I guess I was just too busy vibing to the songs. 😅 Speaking of Piers Brosnan... I always thought he was Sophie's dad, so I was shocked when, many years later, I have read an interviev with some creators and they confirmed that Sophie's dad was Bill. 🤯

[@NealaBeala]

There is NO WAY this video comes out while my senior year play is going on... And it IS Mamma Mia 💀

[@marikesl]

OMG, Jono is a fellow ABBA fan!!! Thank you for this episode!I love the random ABBA lyrics you sprinkle in!

[@ultimatebishoujo29]

Yay!!!!

[@mirolisen]

I wish I could say I like better help, because it's a great idea to make this kind of help more asseccible. Since lots of issues in this domain is hard to measure, they can make the dialogue go on for ever. I stopped using the service because I felt like they did what they could to make the dialogue go on for a long as possible without giving any actual help or advice.

[@prophetessoftroy]

Thank you, Alan, for the “I didn’t wanna hear Pierce Brosnan “sing”” cut. Community service right there.

[@erikalwoodriff]

Wow I’ve watched this movie so many times and never realized that’s Molly Weasley

[@ultimatebishoujo29]

You mean one of Donna’s friends?

[@jenniedarling3710]

How can you not recognize Julie Walters, she has been in so many films and television programs.

[@angelagokool9514]

This movie is such a blast! Even if the storylines are a bit far-fetched (in real life, they could've done DNA tests, to find out who the father was), it's great fun! Also, no one has any evil or malicious intentions. They only deceive each other to protect each other, as Jonathan was saying, even if it wasn't the right thing to do. But Sophie loves Donna so much, that she forgives her for her mistakes, and Donna loves her so much, that she doesn't regret any of them. And the three fathers aren't even jealous of each other; there's no "Well, Donna was my girl first!" backlash. Instead, they bond with each other, and with Sophie. Plus, Sophie and Skye finally realize that they were too young to get married, anyway, and decided to live their lives. It's a such a great watch.

[@AlunKahul]

I feel your sentiments about the film exactly. I see it like cinima junk food. I know it’s bad and I’m certainly not going to watch it everyday, but when I feel down and want something light and dumb to watch by god does it hit the spot. “Bad but really enjoyable” is the perfect way to describe this movie.

[@collin4555]

Pierce Brosnan's singing and Meryl Streep's acting are opposite sides of a scale in balance.

[@BlakelyRachelle13]

Kinda cheesy but your guys videos have been a huge help during an extremely tough time for me. I've heard some hard truths that I needed to hear to start healing. Thank you so much for what you do!

[@CinemaTherapyShow]

You're so welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@hecate3062]

I still can't listen to "slipping trough my fingers" without bawling my eyes out. I went to the musical with my mom. When this song was on, I cried so much. She held my hand and I don't know if she knows why. Thanks to past trauma she has a good but difficult relationship with me. We love each other, but are very alike with some difficult personalities and handling relationships, project like crazy on each other and want to be understood by the other. I really really love my mum, and now that I live apart our relationship has improved massively. But I can't help feeling I missed her in my childhood. I know it's not her fault. But I missed her so much.

[@loonylaura85]

My fave film criric Mark Kermode said he "lost all critical faculty" when it came to the Mamma Mia! films. 😆

[@idkdenisa]

If you guys ever decided to branch out into TV shows, I would DIE if you did an episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries 😍 It's only 3 seasons but the costumes, direction, relationships between all the characters, depictions of trauma / survivor's guilt, etc are all A++ PLUS it's set in 1920s Australia so really... it's got everything

[@idkdenisa]

even if you don't do an episode... highly recommend it for casual watching!

[@susanprice3377]

They did a movie too, tho for TV release not theatrical. Not without plot holes but a thoroughly enjoyable period drama romp.

[@idkdenisa]

@@susanprice3377 I know! I love the movie, but it doesn’t do it for me as much as the show does 🥲 You’re right though, still a very enjoyable movie

[@idkdenisa]

@@susanprice3377 Oh yes! I loved the movie, but the show is just sooo much better (to me). A VERY enjoyable movie though, you're right :) I should watch it again soon....

[@honeymeansmel]

I know this movie is not perfect, but I feel like it was one of the first portrayals of the mother/daughter relationship I saw on cinema and, although I identify as non binary now, me and my mom have fond memories with it. I can’t help but cry in the “slipping through my fingers” scene, because I do feel like mothers and daughters we fear for one another and each other at the same time. It’s hard to describe but at the end of the day we try our best and I think Mamma Mia shows it well. Donna and Sophie love each other so much even with the complications and the lies they are what the other has. And I do think this is what makes this silly little musical so beautiful and so loved.

[@lighthouse_23_]

Please do the marriage in Mr. and Mrs. Smith! That whole movie is an allegory for marriage, the first fight they destroy their house and ending fight is in a home improvement store. There's so much symbolism to unpack both therapy wise and film wise.

[@bnana987]

Crazy I am literely having a phase where I listen to a lot of ABBA and you guys hit me with this...

[@nefertariwinchester3177]

Same here ❤

[@onesecondsniff5840]

i would LOVE for u guys to do hairspray !

[@Luubelaar]

I'm so glad you guys covered this film. I know now, watching it would have infuriated me beyond words. Thank you for giving me the "Cliff notes" version and saving me from having one of those "well there's x hours of my life I'll never get back" moments.