‘Perfect’ film ‘exactly what we need right now’ on ITV tonight | Films | Entertainment

The musical sensation that swept the globe in 2008, Mamma Mia, left fans eagerly anticipating a sequel – which is set to air on ITV today.

The film, based on the timeless hits of Swedish pop group ABBA, boasted a star-studded cast taking on roles that left audiences astounded.

Meryl Streep shone as Donna Sheridan, who had escaped to a breathtaking Greek island years earlier to give birth to her daughter Sophie, portrayed by Amanda Seyfried.

Piers Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard played the trio of men who could potentially be Sophie’s father, adding to the film’s glittering ensemble.

Completing the cast were Julie Walters and Christine Baranski as Donna’s childhood friends, and Dominic Cooper as Sophie’s beau, Skye. Just when it seemed everyone had found their happily ever after, we revisit the fictional island of Kalokairi in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

In a heartbreaking twist, Sophie’s beloved mother, Donna, has passed away, leaving her with grand plans for the inherited hotel. However, Sophie yearns to learn more about her mother’s past, and with the assistance of her ‘three dads’ and a slew of new characters, she begins to unravel the story, reports <a href=”https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/perfect-musical-cameo-huge-star-36447310″ rel=”Follow” target=”_self”>the Mirror</a>.

The ensemble features Lily James portraying a youthful Donna, alongside Hugh Skinner as young Harry, Jeremy Irvine as young Sam, Josh Dylan as young Bill, and Andy Garcia as the hotel manager who shares a crucial connection to Donna’s history. A musical icon also delivers a memorable cameo.

Whilst Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again failed to match the overwhelming love for its predecessor, it still boasts an impressive 80 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The sequel also raked in a staggering $402 million globally, surpassing the original’s box office performance.

Critics praised the film’s carefree spirit, with one noting: “It’s silly and at times even ridiculous, but it’s delivered in such a genuine manner that you welcome and embrace the silliness of it all.”

Another said: “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again should once again get fans standing in the aisles, dancing and singing along to their favourite hits and having a blast with a charming cast.”

A third reviewer added: “Utterly ludicrous, joyously fun and has an emotional arc which will stick in the back of your throat. If you are expecting that all glittery, spandex-wearing cast number you will not be disappointed with copious amounts of laughter bringing you to tears.”

A fourth simply said: “Bigger, brighter, bonkers-er. In short — it’s exactly what we need right now.”

Fans were equally enamoured with the light-hearted romp, with one viewer saying: “Amanda Seyfried and Lily James have the voices of angels. Director Ol Parker’s jukebox musical romantic-comedy Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018) is a delightful sequel.”

Another added: “Discover how it all began. I loved it. I was sad because of Donna. I loved everything, and plus ABBA duh. The soundtrack is everything. 5/5 stars.”

A third fan said: “It’s one of my favourite films. I watch it every month, it’s my comfort film.”

Yet another lavished praise on the movie, saying: “Watched for the fifth time last night. Truly one of the greatest musical films of modern times!”.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is on ITV2 at 6.55pm on Boxing Day, December 26.

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