In this image released by Universal Pictures, from left, Julie Walters, Meryl Streep and Christine Baranski are shown in a scene from, "Mama Mia!" (AP Photo/Universal Pictures, Peter Mountain)

'Mamma Mia!" is a lark, a movie that sets out to be fun and not much else. No harm in that. Better still, despite some bits that drag, it often succeeds.

The story of a girl trying to find out which of three men is her father by inviting them all to her wedding -- a story told with the help of songs by ABBA -- is fairly well-known because of the popular Broadway musical. The film, too, is a musical, despite a cast that's not known for its singing. "Mamma Mia!" works because everyone -- cast, crew and audience -- knows that it's a lark, and treats it accordingly.

The plot: Donna (Meryl Streep), a singer and former flower-child type, had an adventurous summer on a Greek island 20 years ago, as daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) discovers by reading her diary.

To Sophie's surprise (and Donna's dismay), all three possible fathers -- Harry (Colin Firth), now a banker; Bill (Stellan Skarsgard), a writer; and Sam (Pierce Brosnan), an architect -- make the trip, though they don't know why she wants them there.

It's probably best not to overthink it. "Mamma Mia!" is not going to make you think, nor does it want to. But it will make you sing.

Mamma Mia!

Rating: 2 and a half stars (Out of four)

Cast: Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Amanda Seyfried, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, Christine Baranski.

Running time: 130 minutes.

Rating: PG-13; some sex-related comments.

- By Bill Goodykoontz / Gannett News Service