Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again Review - 7 Ups & 3 Downs

2. It Tries To Be Poignant (And Actually Succeeds)

A big problem with frothy, slushy movies like this is when they start to buy into their own sentiment a little too eagerly, and it often ends up falling flat.

What a surprise it is, then, that this film's infectiously earnest tone actually allows its emotional beats to mostly stick the landing. Though you're probably not massively attached to these characters, Here We Go Again does a solid job cementing the inevitability of time, the perils of love and the importance of family, all backed up by the undeniable musical power of ABBA.

Admirably the film doesn't lay things on too thickly, even if it is an inherently melodramatic project, and only in the final stretch does it make an overt attempt to wring bittersweet tears from your eyes. And honestly, if you're feeling vulnerable enough - and if you've had a few cocktails beforehand - it just might succeed.