Mammia Mia! Here We Go Again reviewed by Mark Kermode

Mark Kermode reviews Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Five years after we last saw her and soon to have a baby of her own, Sophie investigates her mother’s past.
Please tell us what you think of the film -- or Mark’s review of the film. We love to include your views on the show every Friday.
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[@norm3844]

Mamma Mia breaks Kermode: Here We Go Again

[@Gnator8t4]

I never thought seeing a professional critic gushing over Mamma Mia of all movies could be so endearing to watch, but here we are!

[@Milosh111]

Invoking The Texas Chain Saw Massacre while talking about Mamma Mia! sequel... this is why I love Kermode's reviews.

[@Rob_-dv6ei]

What I love is that this is the man who states that Jaws is a stronger film than Schindler’s List, yet hysterically breaks down when he hears “GIMME GIMME GIMME A MAN AFTER MIDNIGHT!” That’s why we love you Mark, never change😂

[@paulkristovic]

"I had to jam my fist into my mouth and I could hear myself crying. Properly weeping. I was in pieces ...beautiful pieces!" - This quote should be on the film poster although I also suspect Mark might be experiencing a midlife crisis.

[@kayu_music]

...a beautiful midlife crisis!

[@TheAnduril666x]

Paul Kristovic I had the same reaction at 31, so suspect this might just be a universal reaction

[@katashworth41]

Paul Kristovic I was 31 at the first time of viewing and did something very similar. Despite the obvious emotion, Mamma Mia was the last film I took my mum to the pictures to see.

[@The_Jupiter2_Mission]

Abba has broken Kermode again!

[@longwalkhome2009]

ABBA breaks anyone with a heart

[@tatehildyard5332]

They didn’t break him. It just shows Kermode is human.

[@The_Jupiter2_Mission]

Jokes aside, some films just have a personal individual emotional resonance that go beyond the technical merits or deficiencies of a particular film. For Kermode, the Mamma Mia films have that for him. It may seem puzzling to some and we have a laugh, but i completely understand why he has that personable reaction.

[@timothyw98]

The church scene had me crying.

[@gudgalningen]

As a Swede this makes me smile!

[@AndyGait]

So glad Mark had this reaction for two reasons: 1, I love seeing Mark this honest and this genuine. 2, my wife's cousin is the assistant art director on the film.

[@AndyGait]

Then ignore it and move on.

[@AndyGait]

I'm guessing you had rusks and too much sugar.

[@skadooshly]

alandbs cocaines one hell of a drug 😂😂😂

[@Ronariverah]

Why would you say that this to someone? is that necessary?

[@micklogan5222]

Have a word with yourself

[@mikrovalovka]

most anticipated review of the last decade

[@5DollarGaming]

I didn't have a strong reaction to the first movie when I saw it but I did with the second. If you just go with the film and it's absurdity and fortuitousness, it's an incredibly fun and moving experience. I'm not kidding when I sat its one of my favorite cinema experiences of the year so far.

[@moneycannotbeeaten]

Tyler Shobe the worst for me

[@musicmann1967]

What a great review! Mark had me laughing and smiling, and even getting a little choked up for him! haha Best line in the clip: Simon saying "It's pathetic!" had me laughing! Now I want to see this movie!

[@katiemiaana]

I love the way he describes himself sobbing and weeping in pieces, wtf is this film lol

[@helenjones8384]

Did anyone else start crying just watching Mark's review?

[@campbell9091]

Helen Jones No

[@ghosttrain9022]

No. But I went to the church scene and cried. Without even watching the rest.

[@eriamjr]

Crying with laughter. But in a good way. Mark's such a big sook, but you've gotta love him for it.

[@bebaguette766]

So, it's like the Exorcist?

[@dmolinari]

It must be right up there

[@katiemiaana]

yeah Mark's fave films; 1. Exorcist 2. Mamma Mia & that's why we love him

[@theragpicker]

And the wonderful Local Hero!

[@rogersylvester-bradley2959]

Henry G u

[@robbiekop7]

It,'ll make your head spin so yeah sorta

[@richrosecomedy]

Ha, Mark's adorable

[@veronicadolginko6421]

Both his Mamma Mia reviews are too cute.

[@johnnyd.5466]

This is not what I was expecting. I tend to think of Kermode as a more stuffy, intellectual critic. Seeing him just give in to the charms of such a cool breeze of a movie is a charming moment. And tears! Awwww.

[@kattahj]

He's capable of both intellectual and emotional responses and that's why I love him.

[@moneycannotbeeaten]

It was utter garbage.

[@kir250305]

obviously you don't know much about life yet! you'll get there.

[@kir250305]

That's the best review I have ever watched! Thank you Mark!

[@timothyw98]

The utterly bonkers version of Waterloo in the French restaurant was an experience I have to say. The guy playing a younger Firth was utter elastic. Lilly James had me smiling, laughing and at times crying, like Kermode says she charms the birds out the trees 😁😃. Alexa Davies who I really liked in Raised by Wolves had me chuckling as the younger Julie Walters character.

[@brendanlittle2498]

This movie is so damn good. The first one is not that good but it’s a fun enough watch but the second one is legitimately great. This movie is basically the structure of Godfather 2 but set inside of an ABBA musical

[@scottarooni]

Best review I have seen of this movie. Thank you!

[@thombrown]

After watching this film, I sought out the review by Mark (as I pretty much always share the same opinion on his film reviews), and I expected that, if he has reviewed it, he'll tear it apart, which would mark the first time I really disagreed with him. I was genuinely shaken for the rest of the evening after watching the film and feeling fragile, and thought that there's no way Mark would see the film the same way. Then to learn he was just as emotionally devastated by the film made me respect him all the more. It's an incredible experience.

[@Amy-hy6zn]

I totally agree with Mark, one of the best films I have ever seen. The young cast bring so much to the film and they all perfectly depict their older counterparts. Definitely worth watching even if you’re in two minds.

[@WAAAAAAAAAAAY]

"Emotional Dynamite" - love that! Ha :)

[@owainparry1262]

I'm glad I didn't see/hear this review until I had been to see the fim. As the slightly less willing partner whose been unable to avoid the original on TV/DVD and been to see the stage show and quite enjoyed it, I'm not sure what I expected. But I had a similar reaction to Mark at that point in the film - not openly sobbing - that's happened only once at the Cinema before during Les Miserables, but I was unable to stop my face from leaking, and it was a moment of similar power. I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would and get what it must have been like to see the original in the cinema.

[@asdakquinn]

A beautiful film and full of positivity and hope. As always an honest review and yes the end will make you cry.

[@tommygun5218]

Just back from watching it and i smiled all the way through

[@andrewbutler9533]

Couldn't have put it better Mark - it's great!

[@knownpleasures]

Here we go again is the perfect subname for a sequel

[@extremetee]

"Pathetic" ... very funny, good timing, first time Simon has made me laugh!

[@uggggggghhhhh]

i was looking for this comment lmao. it caught me SO off guard i couldnt stop laughing

[@gareth3152]

Just saw it at Christmas. Wow, left this earth for 2 hours. Loved it

[@cereal_chick2515]

Watching Mark rhapsodise like that is balm for the soul.

[@Redem10]

If only it had been made by Adam Curtis

[@Redem10]

"Donna, you live in a techno-capitalist system that has entrap you in a feedback loop of feel good nostalgia in order to numb you to the horrible realities that surround you and you are powerless to stop it"

[@chimarleywai]

With music by Ian Curtis

[@jetteraismabash4186]

Written by richard curtis

[@TheAnduril666x]

Redem10 Ugh, no thank you. . .

[@robbiekop7]

Directed by Quentin Tarantino

[@GeoffreyJohns]

I'm so glad someone else said that. I blubbed all the way through

[@Esi153]

I want to see it this afternoon after watching half of this review. That scene in the church had me teary. I still feel emotional thinking about it.

[@rashhuman]

I've just come back from seeing this with my partner. Thank God Kermode cried at the same scene, I was holding back the tears even though I'm not a fan of Abba or musicals!

[@blakebard]

Beautiful Pieces is Kermode's new moniker.

[@abbyhuntley3171]

Just let the sobs out Mark

[@michaeljohn1978]

I always cry at the end of Home Alone, when the old shovel guy's family turn up for Christmas and the music's in full on emotional, Christmassy mode

[@lapislazuli5035]

Love seeing Mark fanboy out like this.

[@sldy93]

Mark is 100% right. If you buy into the movie than that ending church scene is really sad. Glad to see I wasn’t the only one tearing up.

[@owainparry1262]

sldy93 *spoiler alert-ish* I wonder if experiencing the same grief was a factor. Sadly it's something both me and my partner have experienced and we both wept. She actually sobbed and apparently the lady next to her bawled her eyes out!

[@katashworth41]

Owain Parry I have also experienced it. It nearly killed me, thankfully in later viewings I had my boyfriend to cry on (Though was also his fault I missed the first screening at the local cinema. Yes getting a PhD is a big achievement, but ABBA.).

[@lynnmckenna9934]

I sobbed too

[@MarkWallbridge]

Bless you Mark. I love a good sob in a film, hadn't realised these films even had that kind of thing going on. Assumed they were just silly cheese fest's. Might have to track the first one down.. I was bought up on ABBA but left them behind by the time I started buying records. Was fun to listen back to them a few months ago, could still sing all the songs I hadn't heard for three decades!

[@brunodent8843]

Wait is there like a post credits sequence to wait for?? Just need to know before I go and see it otherwise may leave early.

[@mikejohnston8275]

IMovie Makers I saw it tonight, the scene is about 30 seconds long but it's funny, I'd stay

[@watchwatchlalala]

Oh buggar! I'm off to see it now but have just finished applying eyeliner. It's going to be smeared all over my face by the end, isn't it?

[@freyanz2450]

So far he is the only person that I have seen that actually likes the movie. There are so many people who just think its a bad movie. If you just go along with all the cheesy stuff and the crazyniess you will enjoy yourself and its just such an amazing movie. I loved it

[@TheHappydays999]

I cannot recall if the first film made Mark's top ten for the year or indeed if this one will go on to do so? I assume he compiles such lists with his critics head on as opposed to us punters who do not necessarily appraise all films we see in terms of their technical qualities. If not already done it would be interesting for a future Kermode Uncut to feature a top ten of films that were technically all over the place but had the ability to win you over despite these flaws.

[@Carlos-ln8fd]

Movie was delightful

[@lucyclarke3440]

i saw this the other day and loved it! watched it in German so I can't wait to see it undubbed because dubbing removes a bit of emotion

[@inspectorcrud]

He's gone soft, he'll never be the same!!

[@nikosvault]

10 years late.

[@alisaurus4224]

He’s always been a big ol marshmallow and we love him for it

[@timpriest593]

"Beautiful pieces" sounds like an Alanis Morissette song

[@leahsmith2923]

I actually went to see it and yes, yes, yes everything

[@montanasacra278]

Great review. Around 5:30 min - that's exactly how it is!!

[@niallmartin9063]

It's gonna be mega!!! That's all you can say really 🌞

[@tracymcardle1236]

Loved this film wonderful wonderful

[@eminkerim7859]

Guys, can I watch it without watching the first movie?

[@eminkerim7859]

The Cinematic Mind is it better if I watched the old one before? I want the best experience :)

[@theevokeruser2356]

Emin Kerim its recommended that you don't watch the first movie due to the fact that its a bad film. But I guess you'll probably want to in order to understand the sequel. In that case you might as well.

[@tdhwilkinson]

Play on half speed. Hilarious!

[@joeolney2356]

I thought its better than the first Mamma Mia, which I thought was a 2/5 but, Here We Go Again 3/5 so an improvement.

[@julieharden2433]

I liked Here We go Again slightly more than I liked the first one. I thought Christine Baranski and Julie Walters were funnier, and I really really liked the performances of all the young actors. Both movies bring such joy.

[@TheRubyTuesday]

Fist in mouth good.

[@scottdylan758]

How come this is uploaded so early?

[@philltolkien5082]

they re on early cause of the golf later.

[@scottdylan758]

Phill Tolkien Oh Ok. Cheers.

[@ThePhudD]

dear god.

[@kevobeney5308]

Absolutely the best film. Much better than the first

[@Luvie1980]

Why did they make a sequel ?

[@fullygraciousedits8238]

Luvie1980 💰

[@Jake-vy2bh]

Money Money Money

[@Ix7VickxI]

Saw the 1st one on an aeroplane. There's little more claustrophobic than not being able to get up and leave while watching something so nauseating.

[@TheAnduril666x]

NickEntity . . .then turn it off?

[@Ix7VickxI]

It was an old plane that had the screen in the aisle.

[@thejoin4687]

No sick bags?

[@LiveTorsionParadoxTo]

Didn't see the first one because the trailer made it look like a kind of Hell on Earth. This looks even worse.

[@COLINHILLSWIMS]

Oh no - I’m welling up watching this review. I could be in trouble watching the actual movie.... #emotiinalmeninmovies

[@jamesparker2660]

too right, too much cinema has no heart. Having said that, what I saw of the first Mamma Mia was dire

[@dmolinari]

Wow

[@Tessmage_Tessera]

Okay... we're living in an era when Abba songs from 45 years ago are made into a movie.

[@nt7863]

What have you done with the real Mark Kermode?! This chap must be an imposter,he’s crying at bloody Mamma Mia!! Nooooo!!!

[@schmoab]

This is hilarious.

[@helenchelmicka3028]

No suit on The Good Dr this week? 😋

[@hiimorla]

for the people complaining about the film as if it's meant to be the godfather it's almost as if..... it wasn't made for you?

[@GetterRay]

Mark, come on... LOL

[@chrishiggins7166]

The film maybe too light hearted & long in parts, however the film’s better acted, funnier, stylish & better crafted. (77%) (4/5 stars) (positive)

[@TheNinjaMarmot]

Burberry: I think we have another jacket to add to the burn pile. I don't care. We have a image to uphold. 25 or younger only.

[@katashworth41]

TheNinjaMarmot it’s not Burberry.

[@narabdela]

We all need cheering up in this nightmarish Trump era. ABBA is the perfect antidote.

[@tophers3756]

narabdela what these movies do to ABBA songs is simply insult to injury.

[@DarkAngel459]

Grow Up.

[@narabdela]

Oh! A Trump supporting knuckledragger.

[@alexsnowden7715]

narabdela wow, he said nothing about Trump. He commented on how the film brings down the enjoyment of listening to ABBA

[@moneycannotbeeaten]

Just cheap profiteering.

[@SomeSunshineOutside]

...huh

[@tankgunner9860]

Mamma Mia Oh no Again

[@realm_of_plastic]

So I guess the End Times are upon us. Oh well, we had a good run. Anyone seen any other signs?

[@GoldenGyroBalls]

There was a sarcaphogus recovered in Egypt recently with warnings on it and archeologists want to open it up, so you have something right there.

[@triestelondon]

The "warnings" turned out to be a "3-for-1 offer".

[@katmatally]

I am so startled by this! The first "Mamma Mia!" was just AWFUL. So I have no idea if I should go to this one or not. N.B. I like VERY few of ABBA's songs, though they were the soundtrack of my young life.

[@nicolewilliams6052]

What an odd review. I haven't seen either but now I'll have to.

[@shloopy5]

Nicole Williams I wonder if it's something about seeing it in the cinema because i saw the first one on DVD and found it almost unbearable.

[@nicolewilliams6052]

Maybe it's the connection to the music? I like ABBA but they were a little before my time.

[@carlawiberg6282]

The crying you try to describe is what women call "ugly crying" ...

[@fiachramaccana280]

m

[@abbyhuntley3171]

Did everyone else see a different film to me? I found it excruciatingly fake and derivative

[@NR-jr4sf]

The first one was incredible The second one was horrible it’s should not have been written or exist

[@fuzzydunlop1]

The first one was an absolute ear-ache of a movie. I have zero desire to repeat the experience.

[@rosiesims4180]

Couldn't stand the first one, certainly not seeing this one urghhh.

[@Tecstar70]

Clearly I saw a different film...dull. 3/10 - 1 for Omad Djalilli , 1 for Kristine and Julie, the third for Cher's plastic surgeon.

[@sodiumlights]

he`s not gonna like it.

[@sodiumlights]

ok, got that totally wrong!

[@hypnotistcollector8176]

Grumpy guy here. Hate ABBA and avoid this like the plague. Too cheesy.

[@MRBAIN1231]

How can anyone hate ABBA?

[@amyclarke41]

me 2 but each to this part is fab we need to cry i feel men women pets 😊

[@tracymcardle1236]

Hate Abba go away and get a life

[@moneycannotbeeaten]

Worst most self centred and cynical film of the year.

[@alextromagnetic]

This was utterly atrocious, one of the worst films of the year. Nothing about this works, I have nothing positive to say about this dumpster fire

[@emiliomiller9831]

How is it a dumpster fire lol? Thats quite the claim

[@wendyross7145]

I would rather go to an Ed Sheeran gig than watch this muck!!

[@eram.5244]

My God, he didn't have the guts to say that it was a shitty film. Wow. Huge failure as a critic.