Starring
Amanda Seyfried, Lily James, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters,
Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, Andy Garcia, Dominic
Cooper, Jessica Keenan Wynn, Alexa Davies, Jeremy Irvine, Hugh
Skinner, Josh Dylan, Omid Djalili, Cher, Meryl Streep. Directed by Ol
Parker. (2018/114 min).
AVAILABLE
ON BLU-RAY FROM
Review
by Stinky the Destroyer😸
Movies
like Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again are sort of difficult to
assess. On one hand, it's a strong contender for one of the most
unnecessary sequels of all time. On the other, it is hard to imagine
big fans of the original - or ABBA's music in general - not enjoying
this one, as well. However, they might be surprised
by the narrative's somber underpinnings.
Speaking
of narratives, while I enjoyed the first film, I couldn't recall the
actual plot shortly after seeing it. All that really stuck with me
were the fun musical numbers, the fact Pierce Brosnan couldn't sing
and a reminder that Meryl Streep is invincible. This time, we're
getting a prequel, of sorts. Half the film takes place a few years
after the first, with Donna's daughter, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried),
getting ready to re-open her mom's hotel with the assistance of suave
manager Fernando (Andy Garcia). Interspersed throughout are lengthy
flashbacks of Donna (Lily James) in 1979, when she travels to Europe
after graduation and meets Sam, Harry & Bill for the first time.
She also falls in love with the island and ramshackle old house that
she'd eventually turn into the hotel.
 |
| "Hey...did that mannequin just move?" |
Along
the way, there are plenty of musical numbers: a lot of tunes that
only die-hard ABBA fans would be familiar with, as well as a few bonafide classics (including some featured in the first film). The numbers are sunny and fun, as is
the choreography, which is a good thing since what little plot there
is feels superfluous (and sort-of melancholy). Nearly all of the
original cast returns, slipping comfortably back into their roles. But despite being prominently featured in the ad campaign, Meryl Streep is largely absent. She was the glue that held the original together and is sorely missed here. As for the
ballyhooed addition of Cher...I guess if you're a fan, her appearance
won't feel shoe-horned into the story, but her role is mostly a
glorified cameo.
But
we're here for the music, right? As before, everyone does-right by
the songs and those who can't sing are mercifully regulated to
being part of the chorus (sorry, Mr. Brosnan). Writer/director Ol
Parker takes the reigns from Phyllida Lloyd and wisely stays the
course, maintaining the first film's aesthetic and pace (though one suspects he was forced to fashion a story that didn't require heavy commitment from Streep). But bittersweet
tone notwithstanding, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is an
aptly-titled sequel if there ever was one and unlikely to disappoint
anybody who regularly sings along with the original film.
Speaking
of which, this disc is loaded with bonus material (listed below),
including the prerequisite "sing-along" feature. Most of
the featurettes are pretty short, but there's a lot of them and
they're pretty entertaining.
EXTRA
KIBBLES
ENHANCED
SING-ALONGS - Musical numbers from the film given the ol' Karaoke
treatment.
FEATURETTES
- "The Story"; "Mamma Mia! Reunited";
"Playing Donna"; "Sophie's Story"; "Meeting
Cher"; "Costumes and the Dynamos"; "Choreographing
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again"; "Cast Meets Cast"
(Christine Baranski & Julie Walters meet their younger
counterparts); "Curtain Call" (the 'Super Trooper' number);
"Dancing Queen: Anatomy of a Scene"; "Cast Chats"
(featuring the younger flashback cast members); "Performing for
Legends" (the cast discuss singing ABBA songs in front of the
band); "Class of '79"
HIGH
JINKS - I was hoping this was a gag reel, but it's a one-minute
compilation of the cast goofing off).
TODAY
SHOW INTERVIEW - Cher and Producer Judy Craymer
AUDIO
COMMENTARY - By Writer/Director Ol Parker
AUDIO
COMMENTARY - By Producer Judy Craymer
DVD
& DIGITAL COPIES
KITTY CONSENSUS:
NOT BAD. LIKE CAT CHOW.
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