Mamma Mia! Here we go again will be in cinemas 19 July, with the original cast and several additions including Lily James and Cher. Photo: Supplied.
By Amanda Murthy
Honey honey, you’re in for a treat as the Mamma Mia! sequel is back after 10 years of much anticipation.
Fans of Abba, and those who fancy feel-good, somewhat corny movies will enjoy the brand-new original musical brought to you by Universal Pictures from 19 July.
Writer of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Ol Parker, writes and directs the film from a story by Catherine Johnson, Richard Curtis and Parker.
Original Abba troupers Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus return to provide music and lyrics and serve as executive producers, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Phyllida Lloyd, Richard Curtis and Nicky Kentish Barnes also serve as executive producers.
Reprising their roles from Mamma Mia! The Movie are Academy Award winner Meryl Streep as Donna, Julie Walters as Rosie and Christine Baranski as Tanya. Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper reunite as Sophie and Sky, while Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgård and Oscar winner Colin Firth return to play Sophie’s three possible dads: Sam, Bill and Harry.
Set in the Greek Island of Kalokairi, viewers will take a flashback on teenage Donna’s life (Lily James), jogging down memory lane to reveal the roller-coaster ride Donna faces in her three significant relationships with former lovers Sam, Bill and Harry, and the details on how she managed with a baby, all on her own. Five years forward, grown up Sophie is pregnant and running her mother’s famous villa.
Viewers will take a look into the past of Donna (Meryl Streep) and how she raised her daughter Sophie as a single mother. Photo: Supplied.
Concerned that she can’t do it without the female support, she calls for Tanya and Rosie’s guidance. Sophie will find out more about Donna’s past, receiving several surprises and pleasant moments – including the unexpected visit of someone she had never encountered before – her grandmother, Ruby Sheridan who’s character is played by the one and only pop icon, Cher.
Although most of ABBA’s biggest songs were in the first film, Here We Go Again promises to have plenty of music and dancing – this time with a 60s’ twist. One of the highlights was when Sheridan delivers a stunning rendition of Fernando, showcasing her best impression of a vivacious over the top grandmother – basically doing her best “Cher”.
The values of girl power, family relationships and pushing through the tough times are seen throughout the movie. The energetic performance of all cast and ensemble is commendable. The only thing this movie lacks is that some of the songs were repeated from the previous movie – however the inclusion of new tunes does balance it out.
Just like the previous film, the film makes reference to non-marital sexual activity and contains sexual references as well as some nudity.
The occasional cheesy lines and typical fairy tale ending is no surprise, and the dramatic break out into song is what makes it a great watch. Overall, this looks to be the ideal “summer” set movie for musical fans, especially those who appreciate the original.
Mamma Mia! Here we go again will be in cinemas from 19 July. The viewer’s classification is PG with mild sexual references, coarse language and nudity.
Click Here for the Official Australian Trailer.