Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
The Prequel to 2008’s Mamma Mia is better than its Predecessor.
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again tells the story of Donna (Lily James) when she was just graduating University. When Donna’s mother (Cher) doesn’t show up to her graduation ceremony at Oxford University, Donna decides to not return home. Instead she packs up her bags and begins her mission to travel the world. However, when she arrives in Paris she has a feeling that her destiny is in Greece. Along her quest from Paris to Greece she encounters three young men: Harry (Hugh Skinner), Bill (Josh Dylan) and Sam (Jeremy Irvine).
What Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again does to bring it up a notch, is strengthen its story. Where the first one was about Sophie trying to find out who her father was, this one is about her longing to feel closer to her late mother (Meryl Streep). Director and Screenwriter Ol Parker does a great job of placing present day Sophie with the 20-something Donna, resulting in both of them being at the same point in their lives. They are both trying to figure out if what they are doing in that moment is right for them. Therefore, turning this Musical-Romance into a tender mother-daughter love story, while also being an uplifting coming-of-age story.
Although the entire Cast is filled with bold names, there is one that is shines brightest of them all. James is a firework and carries the weight of the Film on her shoulders. James’ powerful voice emanates all the energy a musical requires. Her performance is the richest in the Film and will enchant audiences. Another notable performance from the younger versions of the characters is Dylan. He’s got the voice and the moves. Then there is Cher who shows up only near the end. However, when she finally does appear you will wish she was there throughout. As for the original Cast, they have all returned and are as good as ever. Most notably are hilarious Christine Baranski and Julie Waters who reprise their best friends.
Overall, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is a blast that will have you singing and dancing along start to finish!
Universal Pictures Canada will release MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN on Friday, July 20, 2018.
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