I Expect To Sing Along At Mamma Mia 2. I Didn’t Expect To Cry

My mother LOVED the original movie of Mamma Mia — much more than I did. Then, I saw Mamma Mia 2, and I sobbed most of the way through it.

Not because it’s bad — it isn’t exactly Grand Illusion, but it’s joyful, and you’ll know some of the music, and the production numbers are fun.

I found myself reaching for a crumpled up popcorn napkin because I wish she could have been there with me to watch it.

The tears started early on in the film when Hugh Skinner (who you may recognize from the BBC comedy W1A) and Lily James performed a completely ridiculous version of Waterloo.

It’s set in a Napoleon themed restaurant, and the sight gags just don’t stop. I was crying with laughter at dancing waiters, and then I thought, “Oh, how Mom would love this.”

Within a second, I cried real tears. I desperately wanted her to be sitting next to me.

My mom was a lifelong movie fan, and some of our happiest times together were at the movie theater. She had great taste in films, but would go see just about anything, as long as it made sense.

We always went a little early, so that we could nab a pair of the handicapped seats just off the aisle. My mother turned them into the equivalent of a theater box, smiling…