A
followup to the hit Mamma Mia, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again shows that
the songs of megahit group Abba are the gift that keeps on giving even if they
are lesser known tunes. Acting as
prequel and sequel, it’s an entertaining film that merges past and present in a
satisfying mixture of romance, song, and memories.
Decades earlier, a
young, wide-eyed Donna (Lily James), eager to experience the world, meets three
lovers and settles on a stunning, Greek island paradise. In present day, in honor of adult
Donna, (Meryl Streep), daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) plans to reopen their
villa as a hotel overseen by suave Fernando (Andy Garcia) and invites all the
principals from before including her surrogate fathers, Sam (Pierce Brosnan),
Bill (Stellan Skarsgård), and Harry (Colin Firth), Donna’s best friends Rosie
(Julie Walters) and Tanya (Christine
Baranski), and husband Sky (Dominic Cooper) among others.
The
actors do a credible job singing (even Brosnan) while Cher plays a mysterious
connection to the past (who can still belt out a song).
The
story flashes back and forth, awash in fluid camerawork, colorful costumes, and
those wonderful tunes. Streep is sorely
missed through much of the film, but as various characters of the inner circle
arrive, the party’s just getting started. Its
main theme resonates about family, and how coming together can elevate the
spirit and soul.
While it never
quite matches the infectious enthusiasm of the original, by the end, it’s one
big finale with a particularly affecting moment between mother and daughter. It’s
an old fashioned, feel good film for those with fond memories of the previous
film. Sure, it can be silly and over the
top, but it’s all in good fun.
***
of **** stars
1 comment:
***SPOILER ALERT***
I disagree!!! I wanted a good old fashioned feel good movie and I left the theater crying. Stupid stupid stupid story line. Seriously, killing off Donna (which everyone has to know by now so hoping I'm not spoiling) and then that big scene you talk about. Really?! Heartwrenching!!!! I went in for loads of fun, and got some. Like everyone else I loved seeing the old cast, Cher (though what was with her soundtrack), and especially loved Lily James and that part of the story, but ugh. Not a summer feel good movie and I think people should know :-) PS. My daughter saw it a 2nd time and said it was better having known what happens she could just enjoy the rest.
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