Movie Review: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again 🎤🎓

Lily James definitely stole the show this time round—seeing that three-quarter of the scenes in the movie were hers.

Lily James as young Donna. CREDIT: Universal Pictures

This post for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again contains spoilers.

Prior to Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018, directed by Ol Parker), I’ve never watched any other movies or TV shows that Lily James has starred in. I was really impressed by her performance as young Donna; her singing voice was amazing, and the outfits that she wore in the movie really complemented her character and performance. James had the most scenes and musical numbers, as much of the movie’s plot centred around young Donna’s life and how she came to spend her adulthood at the Kalokairi island.

The movie’s main plot also focused on Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) trying to reconnect with older Donna (Meryl Streep)—who passed away one year ago in the movie; which in the movie’s timeline is 4 years after Mamma Mia!—by having a grand opening of the Hotel Bella Donna.

Having watched the full movie trailer months ago, I feel like the trailer pretty much gave everything away. It was obvious to me that Streep was used as major promotional material for the sequel. I wasn’t surprised when Sophie said that Donna had passed away. I think Streep fans would feel angry watching this movie, as Streep literally only appears in two scenes at the end of the movie; but I feel that the stellar performances by the old and new cast members make up for the loss of Streep.

Young Tanya, young Donna, and young Rosie (left to right) performing the song Mamma Mia. CREDIT: Universal Pictures

The introduction of young Donna, as well as young Tanya (Jessica Keenan Wynn) and young Rosie (Alexa Davies), was well incorporated into the movie; but at times some of the young Donna flashback scenes felt forced into the sequel. The younger ladies did a great job in acting out the younger versions of Donna, Tanya and Rosie; it was fun to watch them have fun.

Older Tanya (Christine Baranski), Sophie, and older Rosie (Julie Walters) performing I’ve Been Waiting For You. CREDIT: Universal Pictures

My favourite number from this movie is I’ve Been Waiting For You performed by Sophie and the Dynamos. It was a treat to hear Seyfried’s angelic voice; also in literally every scene she’s in—she’s glowing! Even though the sequel had a much higher production value for the Dancing Queen number, I still very much prefer the first movie’s rendition of it as Streep’s performance made the number even more energetic.

Rating: 4/5

Check out my Mamma Mia! movie review!

Sidenotes on Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again:

• Pierce Brosnan can’t sing at all. There was a scene where he is looking at young Donna’s photos and he sings a few lines; it was really bad. Thank god for his good looks!
• The bromance between Bill and Harry was EVERYTHING.
• The closing number of Super Trouper was very nostalgic and it was a nice way to end the movie.
• I feel like Sophie isn’t married to Sky because she wasn’t wearing a wedding ring in the movie.
• I think they can make a third movie out of this franchise; there’s so much to explore now that Sophie is a mom and with the introduction of Cher as the grandmother.