Mamma Mia 2 reviews: What do critics think of sequel Here We Go Again?

The film reunites the all-star cast including Amanda Seyfried, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Pierce Brosnan and Meryl Streep for another round of sparkly fun and ABBA favourites.

Lily James, Cher and Andy Garcia join the line-up for round two, which is in equal parts a prequel and a sequel to the record-breaking 2008 original.

Reviews are largely positive for the film, with most write-ups scoring it either three or four stars out of five.

Giving three, The Independent said: “The characters here take bereavement, sexual betrayal and the passing of the years their stride.

“This is a sequel without a hint of cynicism about it. If you don’t like ABBA, spandex and glitter, it will still make you come out in hives but there is a sizeable enough part of the audience with a high tolerance for just such a mixture.”

Giving the same score, The Guardian said: “Something in the sheer relentless silliness and uncompromising ridiculousness of this, combined with a new flavour of self-aware comedy, made me smile in spite of myself.

“This whole thing looks like a preposterous and mad dream you might have after eating your bodyweight in feta. More enjoyable than I thought. But please. Enough now.”

Jan Moir of the Daily Mail awarded four stars, saying: “Mamma Mia remains implausible, unlikely and utterly glorious. Who can ask for anything more, as they might sing themselves.”

Metro gave three stars, saying: “Much has been made about the lack of Meryl in the trailers and promotional run but all becomes very clear early on where our older Donna has gone – and when she does appear on screen, it is one of the more emotional moments, guaranteed to leave you with a tear or two in your eye.”

The Mirror scored the movie four stars, saying: “Mamma Mia 2’s manic determination to give you a good time is relentless.

“I’m not saying it’s a great movie, but if you’re in the mood for irresistible sun-kissed feel good poptastic silliness then it’s terrific.”

Entertainment Weekly issued a B-grade, reasoning: “[Cher’s] performance is a lot like the movie: winky, silly, simultaneously camp and sincere — and lit, in every last frame, like a dream.”

Empire gave three stars, saying: “You’ll cackle at Christine Baranski’s crackling dialogue, cry when Meryl sings ‘My Love, My Life’, and when all is said and done you might even be tempted to go again.”

Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! is out on Friday.