Writer/Director: Ol Parker
Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Mery Streep and Stellan Skarsgard
Not many actors in Hollywood have achieved appreciation of Pierce Brosnan. Following his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Brosnan has made memorable movies. Whether it’s spies facing dangers, political leaders or strong heroes in positions of powers, Brosnan has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Brosnan’s greatest strength as an actor has always been his strong screen presence. He is one of those rare actors that has always had the talent for stealing the show in supporting roles that have limited screen time. Through his capability to play characters that are compelling, Brosnan has built a legacy that’s lasting. Although he is best known for playing James Bond, Brosnan has proven that he can excel making movies in many genres. An Irish icon, Brosnan has been a commemorated actor that audiences cherish. Throughout a long-lasting career, Brosnan has made many memorable movies which are definitely without a doubt worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Brosnan and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again!” is certainly my favourite. Released in 2018, Ol Parker’s movie provided a beautiful adaptation of a celebrated Broadway musical. Packed with breathtaking musical numbers, engrossing storytelling and strong acting, it’s one of the best musicals ever made. At the centre of it all is a stellar performance from Pierce Brosnan, who embodies an ex lover seeking to reunite with his wife. Ultimately, what makes “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” a captivating musical is its universal appeal. Unlike most Broadway musicals, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. It delivers a profound message about family which would definitely resonate with everyone. A breathtaking adaptation of a Broadway play, there are many strong reasons why “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” is a commemorated Broadway film worth seeing.
Following events of “Mamma Mia”, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” follows a woman that seeks to discover identity causing a dilemma. Amanda Seyfried portrays Sophie Sheridan, a youthful woman seeking to open her mother’s hotel. Sophie has always shared a bond with her mother Donna (Meryl Streep), whom she loves dearly. However, Sophie’s life changes when she discovers secrets about her mother which transform her perceptions of her family forever. Sophie uncovers secrets about her biological fathers Sam (Pierce Brosnan), Harry (Colin Firth) and Bill (Stellan Skarsgard). As all odds are stacked against her favour, Sophie begins to wonder whether she will ever find a connection with her mother. Faced with tense dilemma, Sophie questions her place in a world causing trauma.
Ol Parker is a newcomer to musicals. Before he had made “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again”, Parker had never made a musical before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to adapt a beloved Broadway musical but he succeeded immensely. Using stunning cinematography, Parker captures a woman embarking upon a journey to discover her identity. Inspired with the first movie, Parker effectively uses bold montages to capture tensions that women in broken families are facing. For instance, the montages elevate the opening scene. During this unforgettable scene, Sophie uncovers her mother’s letters years after her wedding. One admires montages capturing the hardships of women facing situations that are frightening. Through stunning montages, Parker captures women which audiences can easily relate to. Montages are tricky techniques to use in most movies. As Martin Campbell’s “Goldeneye” did claim clearly, montages elevate classic Bond movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely on this movie. Through stunning visuals, Parker captures tensions women in broken families are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” that merits recognition is production. From a technical perspective, the film is extremely well made. Parker’s decision to use live singing in the movie is risky but it works immensely. Throughout the movie, the filmmaker effectively uses live-singing as a way of honouring a Broadway play which is inspiring. For instance, live-singing elevates the Waterloo musical sequence. During this memorable scene, Donna recounts memories of meeting Harry for the first time at a local restaurant. Through engrossing live-signing, Parker honours a Broadway play. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. ABBA’s music is key to the success of the movies. It gives the movie a warm atmosphere capturing a heavy burden families bear. Through bold production design, Parker honours a Broadway play about families that shine.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” is a film worth seeing. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses non-linear storytelling to capture tensions mothers are enduring. The film deftly switches back and forth between two distinct timelines: present-day scenes of Sophie’s adventures and flashbacks of her mother’s past meetings with her boyfriends. Throbbing the ingenious non-linear structure, Parker creates characters that audiences can easily relate to. Non-linear storytelling is often a tricky technique to use in movies. As Chris Columbus’ “Mrs. Doubtfire” suggested clearly, non-linear storytelling elevates bold comedies about housekeepers. Roman Polanski’s “The Ghost Writer” suggested that non-linear story elevates movies about writers. Nevertheless, it worlds immensely in this film. Through a bold screenplay, Parker celebrates the legacy of a Broadway play.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Pierce Brosnan delivers one of his best career performances as Sam Carmichael. Brosnan first earned appreciation for playing spies in James Bond movies. With “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray an iconic character from a beloved Broadway play but he succeeded. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charming and emotional in his most memorable role. Brosnan has always had an aptitude for singing, and “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again!” exhibited his strengths as an actor. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the finest actors in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Brosnan, the supporting cast is also great and worthy of appreciation. Amanda Seyfried is amazing, capturing charisma of a woman that discovers secrets about her mother that cause a dilemma. Lily James is spectacular, bringing authority to a woman seeking to find her identity. Lastly, Colin Firth merits praise. As a comical husband, he brings hilarious comical relief to the movie.
Finally, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” will earn appreciation of everyone for celebrating a Broadway play with ability to entertain. Unlike most Broadway adaptations, the film tackles stronf themes everyone would relate to. The film tackles strong themes including identity, marriage and trauma which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the Broadway play to appreciate it. The film delivers a meaningful message about social class that will resonate with everyone. Hence, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” is one of those rare Broadway musicals that everyone would adore.
Fans of Pierce Brosnan would definitely enjoy “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” and so will movie-goers seeking enjoyable entertainment. A coagulating musical, it honours an actor that is powerful.
A breathtaking adaptation of a celebrated Broadway play about women that face a painful price to pay, it’s a brilliant reminder about a commemorated actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to blow audiences away through his abilities to portray compelling characters in movies that are definitely worth celebrating today.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 