[Review] Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again comes ashore as a 10-years-later sequel to its predecessor Mamma Mia!, and it's a breezy and delightful slice of summer romance and song.

This one takes place during two different time periods. The present - where Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is planning the grand re-opening of her mother Donna's hotel in Greece. And the past - where a young Donna (played by Lily James) attempts to get her music career off the ground, embarks on a few romantic endeavors, and contemplates her future.

First of all this is a beautifully-set film with its sun-kissed and picturesque backdrop of quaint little towns, sprawling cliff sides, and gorgeous coastlines. The expansive cast is charming, too. Amanda Seyfried and Lily James are wonderful as the co-leads, and the supporting cast really brings it, including the likes of: Christine Baranski, Pierce Brosnan, Dominic Cooper, Colin Firth, Andy Garcia, Stellan Skarsgard, Julie Walters, and *psst* Cher. Everyone does a lovely job bringing the funny and sugary script to life. The plot is actually quite similar to 2017's surprisingly great many-years-later sequel Bridget Jones's Baby (Colin Firth also appeared in that), hitting many bittersweet emotional beats, as well as diving into agreeable themes of family and friendship.

And of course, there's the crowd-pleasing musical and dance sequences. They're all so catchy and elaborately choreographed. Hooks for days. And honestly, you just can't go wrong with ABBA songs. Some of them are reprises from the first film ("Dancing Queen" and the title track to name a couple), but it's not like they won't still put a smile on your face the second time around. Here We Go Again.

( 7.5/10 )

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