By: Amira Nuuh
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is a 2018 America-British jukebox musical romantic comedy directed and written by Ol Parker. It is the continuation of the feel-good musical sensation Mamma Mia! (2008), and features many actors of the original main cast, such as Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and more. Alongside the returning cast are newcomers Lily James, Cher, Jeremy Irvine, Hugh Skinner, Jessica Keenan Wynn, Josh Dylan, Alexa Davies, Andy Garcia, and Omid DJalili. Though the film has grossed about $319 world wide and has generated mainly positive reviews, it has been criticized for the lack of screen time of original cast members, specifically Streep.
Plot Summary
In 1979 young Donna, Tanya and Rosie graduate from Oxford University -- leaving Donna free to embark on a series of adventures throughout Europe. On her journeys, she is acquainted with young Harry, Bill and Sam -- the latter whom she falls in love with, but he's also the man who breaks her heart. While left heart broken she decided to stay in the small Greek Island of Kalokari and decided to pursue her dreams of opening a hotel there. She also gave birth to Sophie, indicating a new and fresh start for her even though she is going to raise her alone.
In the present day, Donna's pregnant daughter, Sophie, continues with her mother’s dreams and plans the grand reopening of Hotel Bella Donna. She is met with few struggles with the pressure from the preparations, a bit of conflict arise between her and Sky, her boyfriend who is away in New York for business, and two of her three fathers, Bill and Harry, are unable to make it to the grand reopening. Though she is faced with these endeavors, she is finally reunited with her mother's old friends (Tanya and Rosie) and boyfriends on the Greek island of Kalokairi.
Sophie’s grandmother, Ruby Sheridan, decided to surprise her on the reopening party and expresses her intentions of finally being a proper grandmother and great grandmother. Ruby is also reunited with her old lover, Fernando, and shared a very touching reunion. The film ends with the whole cast singing Super Trouper by Abba.
Good points of the movie:
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again did not lose touch with its predecessor. The sequel keeps the same exuberant aura and feeling as the original movie. This is mainly due to the dynamics and undeniable chemistry of the returning cast, as they are able to seamlessly interact with one another and perform just as well as they did the first time. Tanya and Rosie acted as the film’s scene-stealing iconic duo, and moreover as the emotional backing and support to both Donna and Sophie. The mother and daughter bond that Donna and Sophie shared was very touching, with a particular scene between them highlighting the strength and depth of the bond they share.
It was a delight to witness the backstory of how Donna met the three incredibly humorous and amusing “fathers”; Bill, Harry, and Sam. Out of the newly casted actors, Lily James shines through as the perfect choice to bring out Donna’s youthful character to the center stage. With her undeniable screen charisma and charm, James truly captured how free, young spirited, and kindhearted Donna was in her youth. Tanya and Rosie’s dynamic friendship and chemistry also act as another reason as to why the movie is so enjoyable. Young or old, the two side characters are still energetic spirited but also quirky in their own special way. Both are able to lighten up the tone and mood of each scene with their antics, gags, and humorous personalities. Playing the younger counterparts of the two, Alexa Davis and Jessica Keenan Wynn bring out the same energy and style that Christine Baranskia and Julie Walters had. As always, the original casts are never a bore and seeing them again sparks a fuzzy and warm feeling of nostalgia.
Besides the amazing cast, the ABBA soundtrack was executed in the most stunning way. Waterloo, for instance, brought out the young and bold Harry to the center stage and onto the hearts of viewers. The ensemble performers were amazing as well--expressing the energy of each song in a unique manner at any given time. Cher was also an interesting mix to the movie, as she added a touch of glamour to the already glitzy movie. Her characterization of Ruby Sheridan on par with the stereotype of every charismatic and cosmopolitan grandmother. Not only that, but her distinct voice added a spark personality to any song she performs.
Some bad points of the movie:
Despite the fantastical experience this movie brings, the transition from past and present seems rushed--as though the director is trying to jam-pack too many aspects into one movie. The film itself is already loaded with performances and dances at any given moment. Instead of soaking in any of the emotions that are meant to be conveyed, the audience merely breezes through all the crammed storylines and routines.
In spite of this, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is the perfect antidote to traditional summer blockbusters — it’s low-stakes, it’s lighthearted, and it’s pure fun. Moviegoers are hungry for escapism that’s a little lighter. The perfect recipe could be a slice of Lily James’ soulful rendition of “Mamma Mia,” a hint of Greece’s crystal blue waters, and a dollop of Cher.
Rating: 8/10
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