Whether you like/liked ABBA or not (and it’s more than 40 years since they won Eurovision), there’s no denying their catchy, upbeat pop is some of the most joyful around. And that’s true of Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again. Cheesy, superficial, predictable it may be as we travel back in time from Mamma Mia to see where it all started. Yet…
Casting is inspirational (Lily James for Meryl Streep and Hugh Skinner for Colin Firth in particular). Selection of songs perfect for the narrative (Cher as Meryl Streep’s mom!) and even Croatia standing in for the original Greek island is a perfect setting. Sheer unadulterated joy – even if, other than singing the songs, everything is forgotten about the minute you walk out of the auditorium.
Rating: 63%
Director: Ol Parker (Imagine Me & You, Now Is Good)
Writer: Ol Parker (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Now Is Good) – based on the original musical
Main cast: Lily James (Cinderella, Baby Driver), Hugh Skinner (Hampstead, Les Miserables), Josh Dylan (Allied), Jeremy Irvine (War Horse, This Beautiful Fantastic)
An Opinion or Two 