Movie Man Darian Watching All Night Long

Mamma Mia : Here We Go Again! 

A enjoyable flick that surprised me. Anyone that knows me knows that I dislike the first film with a passion. I didn’t have any hope this film would be good in any sense due to the strong disliking I had for the first film. Now I will say dose it improve upon the first very much so and is it better then the first for damn sure it dose. This film hits the marks the first didn’t do for me. 

First off, This film dose rip off the style the Godfather part II did masterfully with showing the past and then blend it with the present so it was a prequel that also was a very well done sequel at the same time. Now I know what your thinking I’m nit picking but that’s my job is to analyze every aspect of the film and that did bug me Quiet a bit due to the transitions of how they cut to the past and the present it did feel jumbled at parts. But for the most part it did flow well just its ability to copy a style that was use so effectively before did irritate me. I’m saying all the negative stuff first to leave this review on a positive note. 

Other things that I didn’t like was the way they had to force so much of ABBA’s music catalog Into the film yes I know it’s called Mamma Mia and I understand your going to have their music in it that’s totally fine it’s all in the way that you choose to place it in scenes that can seem out of place and their are certain scenes that left me going why is this song here and why is their even a need for this song is it because we need to squeeze as much of ABBA music into it as possible. Now I will say they did Handel the music scenes way better then the first as that was also a problem I had with the first. 

Then, I had a problem with the film this is not a spoiler as the first one addresses the plot point which was that Harry was Gay so I thought that since they talked about it in the first they would use that here as he’s now a openly gay character and their is a moment in the film that shows somewhat something that’s played for comedy but that was it and I felt that it was such a huge secret he had to hide that to just shun it off completely in the second film and not say anything about it felt really like a missed opportunity that could of benefited greatly that could of resulted in great dramatic moments to give him more weight to the character. 

Lastly, This film as many are aware shows Cher in the film its again not a spoiler as she’s been seen in the entire marketing campaign for this film. Now I’ll say this was she a key aspect of this film? No was she in any way needed to be a plot point in any way of the film? No and would of the plot transitioned better without her? Yes. Now I’m not saying I hate Cher she’s a talented actress and great singer but she felt very out of place in the film and when she was onscreen it felt like she was this big grand person that everyone needed to stop for. It slowed the flow of the film massively just so we can look in awe of Cher and that’s it. So the film definitely could of been fine if she wasn’t in it the film wouldn’t be any different. So those are my major issues I had with the film now let me say what I did like about The film. 

First off, Lily James is absolutely incredible as the younger counterpart of Donna. I thought she brought great energy and charisma to the role and also brought some characteristics Meryl has as an homage to the actress that plays her older counterpart without it feeling like a imitation of Meryl she makes it her own and really relishes in it. She was a fantastic part of the film and what I call perfect casting she brought great emotional weight to the character with amazing humour great dramatic moments and a terrific voice as well she did it all and it worked out greatly. 

As well as the younger counterparts of her best friends were brilliant in the film. The two best friends in the film when shown in flashback was great they both showcased amazing chemistry as well as great resemblance to the older actors whom they portray as well as both giving explosive comedic timing that had me laugh out loud at many parts of the film. 

The music also was better chosen instead of using the same exact soundtrack they built upon it and really showcased other songs that the musical group has done and let you hear songs you may not be to familiar with which was fantastic. Of course they still had dancing queen in it and a few familiar tracks but for the most of it was other tracks by ABBA that felt refreshing instead of hitting us over the head with the same songs from the first. 

Secondly, I felt the acting also was so much better and a real step up upon its predecessor. This film has terrific enjoyable performances throughout and you really believe the actors are these characters and that they feel lived in from this film which I thought was great. The film really steps its game up in a massive way from the last film and I was surprised more then I thought I would be by this film. 

Lastly, the film doesn’t batter you over the head with the same repetitive beats but broadens their horizons and showcases other tracks lead by a strong charismatic performance given by Lily James with also great supporting talent all of whom contribute greatly to the film giving a different direction upon the first film that felt refreshing by also fixing the problems the film had and surpassing the first film by miles by its ability to give a well rooted backstory with fun that doesn’t take itself to seriously but just has fun with its material which is what I wanted with the first and if seeing the bland first film in order to get this enjoyable sequel it may of taken a while but I was glad I saw this film.

This film takes place after the events of the first film Sophie is pregnant and has so much going on while her past made a massive clash is the first time around knowing the adventures and courage her mom had helps Sophie remember she always has her family 

Rated PG - 13 : for some suggestive material 

Lily James : Lily James is one of my favourite actress’s working in the business right now. She stole our hearts in 2015 with her take on Cinderella then showed us she can do other roles from Baby Driver to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and last years Darkest Hour. She’s proven she’s an up and coming actress that should be taken seriously and a serious force to be reckoned with. In this film she gives to me her best work she’s given so far with a truly fun, energetic and dazzling performance as young Donna. She easily could of done a impression as Meryl’s Donna but she didn’t she made the character her own but at the same time giving subtle nods to Meryl without it being to much which was perfect. Why I’m giving her such praise in this is because she doesn’t play the character one note she really anchors the character playing it off with terrific emotion which at times is incredibly optimistic and happy then can be heartbreakingly sad and the way she can transitions through so many emotions and be such a vital part of the film and not drop the ball left me impressed. She really shines in the film with great believability she steals the show with her multi layered performance that is impossible not to enjoy. She can sing she can dance and acts her ass off what can she not do? Overall she springs this character to life with her amazing performance that leaves you with a big grin on your face. She delivers on all levels Lily James is pure perfection in this role. 

Ol Parker : Parker thank you for giving me a good Mamma Mia film! This director I think saw what was wrong with the first film and fixed it and built upon it in great ways. He first off brought a very colourful pallet to the film that made the screen pop terrifically then delivering a solid sequel to a ok first film that came before it. He did what the first film failed to do which was have fun and not take it so damn seriously he showed it in flashback for a good portion of the film which gave more weight to the characters which we lacked in the first film but benefited here greatly. As well as giving a great batch of songs from ABBA and a terrific performance by its lead actress. He just hit all the right notes no pun intended but the story and his style just blended perfectly and just worked. He had the drama but also humour and never made one superior to the other while also giving the audience time to breath between scenes and give character interactions. He knew what he wanted with this film and his vision was so perfectly executed onscreen in tremendous fashion. He was able to even do the rare thing which is make the sequel better then the original. Ol Parker brings a fun and perfect mix of drama Comedy and music that just gelled incredibly well. Job well done just great direction here.