By Ellie Alholm and Caroline Hager

Looking for a well thought out, overall fun movie? Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again, is a perfect fit.

Mama Mia 2 takes place in Kalokari, Greece, as the main character, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) begins to rebuild her deceased mother’s dream hotel. Sophie experiences tough challenges along the way such as thriving without her mother by her side and working to open the hotel.  With her three dads by her side, Sophie feels closer to her mother than ever. The movie also focuses on Donna (Meryl Streep) life before Sophie. Young Donna (Lily James) is conveyed as a strong and independent character, who throughout the movie, finds herself along with Sophie’s three possible fathers.

The cast of this movie includes some of the loved characters of the first movie, as well as many new additions, such as James, who plays young Donna. The viewer also receives a look at what Sophie’s three fathers looked like when they were young: Bill Anderson being played by Josh Dylan, young Harry Bright is portrayed by Hugh Skinner, and of course Sam Carmichael being played by Jeremy Irvine. Although in the film Streep’s character, Donna Sheridan, is deceased, she plays an important cameo in the film.

The viewer is finally provided with a look at Donna’s mother, who is referenced in the first film but is never shown. In the first movie, Ruby Sheridan is said to be disapproving of Donna and her life. Who else could play such an iconic character as Ruby Sheridan besides an icon herself? Cher portrays Donna’s mother very well, giving her the attitude fans would expect to see. Critics believe Cher was chosen for this part due to the fact that she appeared in ABBA’s last music video.

“It’s wholly unnecessary, but this sequel/prequel is frothy fun for those who enjoyed the original’s music and upbeat energy,” said Sandie Angulo Chen from Common Sense Media.

Fun, upbeat Abba songs keep viewers intrigued and help to preserve the original feel of the first movie. Some may say the songs used are ‘recycled’ considering some were used in the first movie and the ‘best’ songs were already used,  but the songs are worked into the plot well. This boosts the storyline and radiates positive energy, persuading viewers to sing along.

Mamma Mia 2 Here We Go Again promises an exciting, energetic, and enjoyable one hour and 49 minutes. So go see this ‘Super Trouper’ movie today.