Mamma Mia!: Here We Go Again (Sing-Along Edition)

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018) is everything a musical sequel should be—bigger, more emotional, and brimming with infectious energy. Directed by Ol Parker, this film seamlessly blends nostalgia, humor, and heartfelt moments while delivering stunning musical numbers that will leave you dancing in your seat.A Brilliantly Crafted StoryThe film masterfully intertwines two timelines: the present day, where Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is preparing for the grand reopening of her mother Donna’s hotel, and the past, where young Donna (Lily James) embarks on her adventure-filled journey that leads her to the Greek island of Kalokairi. This dual narrative adds depth to the story, giving fans a deeper understanding of Donna’s past and how she built the life Sophie cherishes today.Lily James is absolutely radiant as young Donna, capturing Meryl Streep’s charisma and free-spirited charm with ease. Her performance brings warmth, humor, and infectious enthusiasm, making the flashback sequences a joy to watch.Spectacular Performances from a Stellar CastReturning favorites like Christine Baranski (Tanya) and Julie Walters (Rosie) continue to steal scenes with their impeccable comedic timing, while Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgård reprise their roles as Sophie’s three possible fathers with delightful charm. Amanda Seyfried once again delivers a heartfelt performance as Sophie, grappling with love, loss, and new beginnings.The film also introduces Cher as Ruby, Sophie’s glamorous grandmother, whose show-stopping rendition of Fernando is one of the movie’s unforgettable highlights. Her larger-than-life presence adds an extra layer of sparkle to the film’s already dazzling energy.A Soundtrack That ShinesOf course, the heart of Mamma Mia! lies in its music, and Here We Go Again does not disappoint. Featuring beloved ABBA classics like Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Why Did It Have to Be Me?, and Super Trouper, the soundtrack is a joyful celebration of the band’s timeless hits. The musical numbers are visually spectacular, brimming with color, choreography, and pure fun.Standout performances include Lily James’ energetic and playful Mamma Mia, the emotional My Love, My Life sung by Seyfried and Streep, and the irresistibly joyous Dancing Queen, which brings back the entire ensemble in a grand, feel-good moment.A Perfect Blend of Fun and EmotionWhile the film is filled with lighthearted, toe-tapping moments, it also carries a surprising emotional weight, particularly in its handling of Donna’s absence. Meryl Streep’s return, though brief, is incredibly poignant, and the mother-daughter bond between Donna and Sophie remains at the film’s emotional core. The balance between joy and sentimentality makes Here We Go Again more than just a fun musical—it’s a touching tribute to love, family, and legacy.Final ThoughtsMamma Mia! Here We Go Again is a delightful, feel-good experience that surpasses expectations. With dazzling musical numbers, a heartfelt story, and a cast that radiates charm, it’s the perfect film for fans of the original and newcomers alike. Whether you come for the music, the laughs, or the heartfelt moments, one thing is certain—you’ll leave with a smile on your face and ABBA songs stuck in your head.⭐ Rating: 9/10 – A joyous, heartwarming celebration of music, love, and nostalgia!Would you like any edits or adjustments? 😊

the first movie was better, but it's such a classic that i can't rate it any lower than a 5

I really enjoyed this movie. I already had Mama Mia and wanted to know how they could continue the story but instead they surprised me by telling the back story of how it all started. The young actors did a wonderful job and had so much talent and the original actors continued their rolls with the same amazing talent they had in the first movie. The ending was fantastic.

This sequel, in my opinion, was better than the first movie. While I enjoyed the first movie from the perspective of the cast and the music, there were moments I was uncomfortable due to some of the very well-intentioned, but not excellent singing. In the sequel, they removed that problem by making many of the songs involve an ensemble sort of performance, so the less than perfect voices were able to blend easily, and we had so much fun...Dancing Queen was AMAZING. I am only commenting on this part first because so many of the hater comments talked about awful acting and singing. Honestly, I was cracking up the entire movie. My teen was cracking up. We were both singing along (we had subtitles on, so she could follow all of the lyrics) and dancing the night away. It was a blast! What others might call questionable acting, I saw as intentional humor, and I thought the voices did a fine job this time. Some, of course, were exceptional (I had to explain to my daughter who Cher was, though...lol).Some have said the movie is a "sad" shadow of the first. Yes, the first movie was based on a celebration. This one (mild spoiler) is focused on the bittersweet opening of the hotel that was Sophie's mother's dream which is happening after she sadly passed away a year prior. This revelation is made early on in the movie, so the viewer is aware they are not likely to see much of Meryl Streep during the movie. However, we see the backstory of her character, played by a delightful actress with a lovely voice, and all of the questions we may have had during the first movie are answered. Her cameo at the end is not meant to be an actual presence, but a fond and slightly wistful memory/wish, for those who didn't understand that.What I found most amazing about the movie is how the writer(s) managed to make every song that was used work perfectly within the context of the scenes. Also, the humor was consistently on point, the younger versions of the older characters were well cast, and the story was charming (as opposed to cheap, as it could have been) and fun.In the end, the best part of it to me was how the underlying message of Donna's love for her daughter caused her to make incredibly brave and while perhaps not feminist forward choices once she found out she was pregnant, the BEST choice for her. As Valedictorian, everyone expected "great things" from her...in my opinion, she wound up proving that the greatest thing a parent can do for their child is be there for them, which we know from the first movie, she was for Sophie. And in spite of her passing, she managed to leave a legacy of a family and friends (the family you get to choose) to support Sophie in her own new adventure. Donna's choices gave Sophie the confidence to take a chance when others might have taken an easier route. What a lovely message to leave us with...though I must admit there were some tears on my cheeks there at the end with the next to last song...it couldn't have been more beautiful or perfect. The final song wrapped up the package perfectly with a glittery bow and had the beat rocking to put the happy rhythm back in my step (and hilarious attempts to sing along). Kudos to everyone in the cast and crew. Great job.Make sure to stick it out to the absolute end to see a short blip at the end that will leave you with a smile on your face. I recommend this movie. It has references to what you'd expect based on Donna's history of not knowing which of three men is Sophie's real dad (see the first movie to understand what I mean), but it is handled in a mostly tasteful way. Safe for most teens, moms, and grandmothers to view together for a fun evening together, but if you are a stickler, watch it first to be sure and send someone out for snacks when needed. ;-)

I cried. but it was happy

Nothing will ever compare with the original movie which caught lightning in a bottle, but this was nonetheless a very fun romp with terrific material that would appeal to even audiences that didn't grow up listening to the soundtrack.

Very good movie

great movie