"Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again"

I have just had to fish out the blu ray of the original film, because according to IMDb, it has been a decade since that Global Smash hit film came out. I was gobsmacked, and did seriously doubt the reliability of the information. More fool me, as it really has been 10 years. Where has that time gone to?

I for one was squealing like a nutter when I heard that there was going to be a sequel to one of my all time favourite films. I saw the original a staggering 6 times at the Cinema, a record that stayed for 4 years, until the release of "Skyfall".

So has the passing of time generated a sequel worthy to follow in the footsteps of such a beloved film?
The simple answer is no. I was in a state of shock after only 20 minutes. It is difficult to discuss my condition without giving away a major plotline. Yet the film concerns Sophie, and her wanting to have a Grand re-opening of the refurbished Bella Donna Hotel. As events unfold, we also journey back in time to how Donna (Meryl Streep) met the three Fathers who were responsible for Sophie.
The gods seem to be conspiring against Sophie and her big night. Two of her three Fathers are unable to attend, and Nature is venting its fury. And on top of that, she is expecting.

What made the first film such a success, other than the Music of Abba, can be summed up in two words - "Feel Good", and that is sadly lacking in this sequel. I felt quite deflated after 15 or so minutes. The idea of going into the past worked to a degree. Lily James was good as a young Donna. I thought that both Jeremy Irvine and Josh Dylan were great as the young Sam and Bill, and it has to be said very pleasing on the eye. Hugh Skinner as the young Harry was merely ok.
As well as the lack of the feel good factor, there was much humour missing from the film. Barely a chuckle was had throughout the whole 2 hours.

And another great shame is that even a Super Group like ABBA have some dodgy songs in their back catalogue, and as so many of their hits were used in the original film, we are subjected to lesser ABBA songs in this sequel. Even the big dance numbers or reusing of previous songs all seem to lack any sparkle.

It isn't all doom and gloom though....fear not. There is some saving grace, mainly from the godess that is Cher, who is simply dazzling as Great Grandma to be  'Ruby'. I loved her duet with Andy Garcia, who appears as Hotel Manager 'Senor Cienfuegos'.

It's Mamma Mia!! but maybe not as you were expecting.

Simply put, it was disappointing.......6 out of 10  (and that's mainly for Cher)

"Hotel Artemis"

Yes I'm back. I have not a Film Review for a considerable amount of time, and the second of these latest two reviews was what inspired me to start again. Apologies for being away for so long, but down to business.

The concept of "Hotel Artemis" intrigued me, and made for a must see film, especially given that it stars both Jodie Foster and Jeff Goldblum. Set 10 years in the future, in Los Angeles during a Riot, we find the Hotel Artemis is taking a lot of bookings....but not all is as it seems. For the Hotel is actually a front, a cover concealing that it is actually an exclusive Hospital where the criminally injured can go and get their gunshot wounds healed etc, and no questions asked. Just pay your membership, obey the rules, and all is peachy.
We get introduced to some fascinating characters, most of whom have secrets, including Nurse, who is the medical charge on duty. Despite the Riot, it's just a normal Wednesday at the Hotel, that is until the Crime Boss of Los Angeles, and Owner of the Hotel Hospital, The Wolf King, turns up in need of some medical assistance. This is when the fun really begins.

The plays along quite nicely, the characters all well fleshed out, and well played. Minor quibbles are Jeff Goldblum is given very little screen time, despite a wonderful opening. There isn't quite the big finale that one might expect from a film like this.
Jodie Foster is as reliable as ever, in a role that is something of a departure for her. Anything that gives the Oscar winner screen time gets a thumbs up from me.

The best way I can think to describe the film is imagine a medical action drama with shades of "Escape from New York" and "Assault on Precinct 13". Had this been released 35 years ago, then it would almost certainly have had John Carpenter's name attached.

Enjoyable enough......7 out of 10