Lesley Riddoch: Escapism from an era when hope was youthful

LET'S hear it for Pierce Brosnan. The former 007 never convinced me as James Bond – too distant, lofty and ambivalent. But cast as the principal love interest in the film Mamma Mia!, Brosnan is transformed from a male lead delivering empty displays of stylised power into a star giving his all to an impossible task. Singing.

Brosnan has become the critics' unanimous choice for the "weakest link" in the starry acting ensemble gathered for the Abba tribute film, based on a best-selling musical.

And thanks to the critics, the audience is on the edge of its communal seat ...