MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN: Truth in Advertising...Sort Of

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

UNIVERSAL

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.