This film serves as a prequel wrapped around a sequel. Lily James creates a lovely younger version of Sophie (played in the original by Meryl Streep). We see her meet the 3 dashing men who later became the “fathers” of her daughter (Amanda Seyfried). We also see her currently living in her mother’s renovated Greek villa. All of this is peppered with plenty of Abba songs, some of which are repeated from the original and some of which I’ve never heard (not a big ABBA fan). Thru it all is a bright sense of fun and romance. The staging and costumes aren’t as dazzling as the original, but there’s still plenty of spirited joy. For fans: Streep and Cher (as the grandmother) both only appear late in the film for 2 numbers each. NOTE: Stay thru the credits for the only gay scene and one final comic chorus.
(3.5 / 5)