By Colin Covert Star Tribune (Minneapolis)

Sunny as its Greek island locations and its attitude, "Mamma Mia!" earns its exclamation point. The adaptation of the long-running stage hit is a crowd-pleasing gusher of escapism, not the least of which is respite from summertime teen action fare. 

How refreshing to find a cast in their 50s kicking up their heels, belting out corny Europop and reveling in every campy moment. The ABBA songbook gives me hives, but in a context this joyous, there's no resisting it.

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By BETH BENCE REINKE for Smart

Whether you're heading to the pool or the beach this summer, add these essentials to your bag.

This checklist will keep you from returning to the hotel or car - and keep the whining (kids' and mom's) to a minimum, says Patty Jacobs, owner of Lincolnway Swimming Pool in West Manchester Township.

For the pool:
Sunscreen

Towels

Sunglasses

Water toys and goggles

Deck of playing cards or Uno

Snacks and bottled water

Comb or brush

Hair detangler

Camera

Money

Cell phone

For the beach:

Sunscreen

Towels

Sunglasses

Blanket

Sun visor

Sand toys and beach ball

Snacks and bottled water

Book or magazines

Mesh bag for collecting shells

Band-Aids and antiseptic

Camera/video camera

Money

Cell phone

Baby powder

Posted in Food and drink From this issue Smart Ideas entertainment

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By JOCELYN NOVECK
AP National Writer

Let’s face it: “Sex and the City” may be the quintessential chick flick of all time. Women are booking their seats in giddy anticipation of the film’s Friday release. Straight men? They sound like they might prefer two hours and 25 minutes of root canal.

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