Review: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (Movie)

In these heavy days of never-ending news broadcasts and the importance of being involved with politics and voting and the #MeToo movement and every other big thing I believe in, I relish every second I have for fun, entertainment, and escape.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again hits all my take-me-away buttons. From the singalong songs to the beautiful seaside setting and all-star cast, this movie--written and directed by Ol Parker--puts a smile on my face. It's now out on DVD, Blu-Ray, 4k Ultra HD, and digital download, which means I'll be able to watch Mamma Mia 2 whenever I need it most and on whatever device is handy.

A big shout-out to Universal Pictures Home Entertainment for sending me a review copy. I loved all the amazing extras: deleted songs and scenes, enhanced music, interviews and behind-the-scenes insight, the sets and costumes, and commentary from the director and producer.

Okay, so let me tell you what I really think! Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is both a prequel and a sequel to the story of Donna (played by Meryl Streep), the single mother we met in the first Mamma Mia! movie. The film begins with Donna's daughter, Sophie, getting ready for the grand opening of their refurbished Greek Island inn but soon turns to stories of how Donna met three great guys (all Sophie's dads), had a singing group (the Dynamos), and ended up moving to the island permanently.

I thought the actors who played the young fathers (Hugh Skinner, Josh Dylan, Jeremy Irvine) and young Dynamos (Jessica Keenan-Wynn, Alexa Davies, and Lily James) were fantastic matches to the older actors (Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgård, Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski and Julie Walters). The dancing and singing were toe-tapping good, and I like the way ABBA's songs inspired the action. Plus, did I mention Colin Firth?

Although I know I'll watch Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again a few (okay, a zillion) more times, I have to admit the plot was a little thin. I was also a little disappointed in Cher, who was not at the top of her acting game here. Finally, I missed Meryl Streep as the main character. But, honestly, I wasn't expecting this movie to be an Oscar contender. I was looking for singing, dancing, fun, and a little romance, and Mamma Mia! Hear We Go Again gave that to me in spades -- even if I sobbed at the end.

Put the Blu-Ray, DVD, digital download combo pack of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again on your holiday gift list. I bet you know a few people who would love to escape to Donna's island at a moment's notice.