Review: 10 reasons to watch 'Mamma Mia 2'

MANILA, Philippines — The mother and daughter tandem of Donna and Sophie is back on the big screen as United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures present “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,” which is now showing in cinemas nationwide.

Ten years after the success of the first installment in 2008, Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried are back for the prequel-sequel of “Mamma Mia.” The film’s plot is a combination of the aftermath of the first movie and flashbacks of 1979, when the young Donna first came to the island.

Here are 10 reasons why the new movie is worthy of your time.

1. It’s an ABBA party!

United International Pictures/Released

Just like the first movie, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” is a musical movie filled with ABBA songs, so expect to hear the comeback of some songs featured in the first movie, as well as new ones.

The new movie installment reportedly features 18 ABBA songs, including “Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo,” “I Have a Dream,” “Fernando,” and of course, “Mamma Mia,” to name a few.

2. Better than the first?

United International Pictures/Released

Amanda was blown away after she read the script. “Ol [Parker] has created such depth with new dynamics and character arcs that are realistic.  When the music stops, you have to deal with things that are sometimes heart-breaking and then the music starts again.  That is life, and there are a lot of messages in this story.  I can’t think of a better way to continue Mamma Mia!” she said.

For Amanda, the new “movie is bigger, better and more spectacular than the original.  I didn’t see it coming, but boy am I ever glad.”

Dominic Cooper returns as Sophie’s boyfriend, Sky. Watch out when the duo sings “One of Us” together.

3. Both a prequel and a sequel

United International Pictures/Released

For director and writer Ol Parker, the concept of a prequel/sequel felt ideal. “From the back story of the three possible fathers, how Young Donna becomes Donna and finds her way to the island—even how the dungarees originate—all of those things just seemed like a gift.  They’re all these moments where you can create symmetry, and it can lend an emotional resonance to Sophie’s story,” he said.

4. More spotlight on Sophie

United International Pictures/Released

Meryl was all praises for Amanda in this latest musical flick. She said: “Amanda brings something to this incarnation of ‘Mamma Mia!’ that’s very special. She’s the heartbeat of the film. Her emotion carries the whole story forward, and she really moved me. I think she’s magic. Plus, she’s got a cracking great voice, and she gets to use it more in this film.”

5. New heartthrobs

United International Pictures/Released

The young Donna is played by “Cinderella” star Lily James.

The new installment also introduces the hunks: Jeremy Irvine as the young Sam, Hugh Skinner as the young Harry, and Josh Dylan as the young Bill; as well as new sweethearts: Alexa Davies as the young Rosie; and Jessica Keenan Wyn as the young Tanya.

Producer and creator Judy Craymer said the movie continued “the emotional journey of our story while also discovering how those life-changing relationships formed and had such a profound impact on Donna, The Dynamos, Sophie and her possible dads.”

6. Surprise appearances from musical legends

Apart from new faces, prepare to meet more familiar ones, especially musical legends like original ABBA members (and the movie’s co-producers) Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson.

The 72-year-old Cher as Sophie’s grandmother is also quite a revelation. 

7. Crazy outfits, stunning views               

United International Pictures/Released

Since the movie features lots of flashbacks, it also takes one back in time to ABBA’s crazy outfits and colorful and psychedelic ‘70s hairdos and costumes.

The movie also takes one on a trip halfway around the world — from America, to France, New York, and back to the first movie’s setting, Greece.

8. ‘Waterloo’

Watch out for the “Waterloo” sequence from the romantic musical comedy. Young Harry (Hugh Skinner) meets young Donna (Lily James) in a Napoleon Bonaparte-themed restaurant, and tries to win her heart by serenading her with the song “Waterloo.”

9. ‘When I Kissed the Teacher’

Before going to the cinema, watch online the lyric music video of the ABBA song “When I Kissed the Teacher,” the opening number in the new musical comedy, which sets the movie’s mood.

The song is performed in the film by Lily James and co-stars Jessica Keenan Wynn, Alexa Davies and Celia Imrie. Lily, Alexa and Jessica play the earlier incarnations of the film’s girl group Donna & The Dynamos.

10. Ode to motherhood     

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Producer Richard Curtis asked her 22-year-old daughter if she had any ideas for “Mamma Mia! 2.” Her daughter said “It should be flashback to explore how Donna met the three possible fathers during the summer of ’79, cut into the present day with Sophie. Then there is a whole cycle of motherhood linking the two.” — Videos from YouTube/Columbia Pictures Phils.