Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again Review — The Odissean Experience

PG
1hr 54min
Romance | Musical | Comedy
July 2018
Ol Parker

Possibly more Money, Money, Money than Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! But Here We Go Again!

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again plays as both a sequel and a prequel as the story travels back to 1979 to follow a recently graduated Donna (Lily James) on her adventure across Europe, making many the acquaintance along the way. While in present day Donna’s daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is putting the finishing touches to the renovation of her mother’s hotel.

Credit: Universal Pictures — *Credit:* Universal Pictures

When successfully woven, the ABBA hits work well to blind the audience from numerous plot holes and creative issues. Indeed, the predictable nature of the story alleviates the necessity for serious investment in production budget, allowing the film to focus on the job-in-hand of delivering another ‘feel good’ experience. Jumping back and forth in time works most effectively in the musical sections of the movie with the connection between mother and daughter built upon by the synchronicity displayed within the scenes.

After impressing in Baby Driver and Darkest Hour, Lily James continues on her journey to Hollywood stardom with another eye-catching performance. While our other lead actress, Amanda Seyfried, certainly contributes with the finest vocals she sadly does not receive the material necessary to deliver a memorable acting performance. The returning cast members slip seamlessly back into the roles they so famously owned ten years ago, with Christine Baranski and Julie Walters once more supplying explosive dialogue for the cheeky duo of Rosie and Tanya. Fortunately, Pierce Brosnan singing responsibilities have been scaled back in the latest instalment (remember the original movie) but rest-assured this is more than compensated for with some laugh out loud ‘dad-dancing moves’. Newcomer Omid Djalili delights as a passport control official and an end-credits scene involving the character was well worth the wait, so stay seated for the final conclusion!

A strong opening act is unfortunately followed by a troublesome and tiring middle segment that relies a little to heavily on some of ABBA’s biggest hits to carry the movie through a rather dull period. However, the third act bursts back into life to provide a joyous and at times emotional finale. Furthermore, the introduction of Cher brings even more of the ‘A-lister stardust’ and her rendition of Fernando will live long in the memory as one of the movies iconic moments.

In all, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again struggles to absorb you in the same way as the original, perhaps due to its predictable nature. However, the film is mindful of its purpose and the wonderful finale will leave the target audience more than satisfied. From this evidence, it would not be a surprise to see a third film in the future to complete a Mamma Mia! Trilogy but for now thank you for the music.