Creativity in Motion

Before watching the unusual documentary Songwriter, I knew very little about Ed Sheeran. Now I am an avid fan! Maybe it’s because one of my granddaughters is a singer/songwriter too -- and yet I’ve never had the pleasure of being present during one of her songwriting sessions. However, seeing the home videos of Sheeran and his musical collaborators as they create his third studio album “Divide,” I have some inkling of what’s involved in this particular creative process.

Creativity. Who has that?

To Ed Sheeran I tip my hat.

“Songwriter” shows the song process

that’s led to his immense success.

Happiness while doing his thing

is clear even when bells don’t ring.

Sounds, rhythms and melodies

are tried by Ed for fans to please.

This documentary reveals

the depth of care Ed really feels

about his album and each song.

And that’s why he did not go wrong.

Rave Review for Mamma Mia 2!

Attention, fans of Mamma Mia! Forget your worries about the questionable quality of a sequel to the wonderful film released ten years ago. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again should make you very happy. In fact, this second outing might be even better than the first. As an avid Mamma Mia fan, I’m not being sacrilegious. 

Both films are terrific, but Here We Go Again includes some delightful surprises, one of which has changed my opinion about the use of flashbacks in film storytelling. I’ve usually found that annoying. However, Mamma Mia 2 meshes them seamlessly and artistically into what’s happening on screen. 

Another surprise involves an actor named Hugh Skinner, who portrays Colin Firth’s character (Harry) as a young man. His musical comedy talent wowed me in the rousing “Waterloo” number and made me yearn for days of yore when we could look forward to many musicals each year.

Sequel or prequel, it’s okay.

Cheer MAMMA MIA all the way.

Great ABBA songs performed with flair.

Movies like this are so darn rare.

Location shots pleasure our eyes.

Romantic scenes evoke soft sighs.

A sense of fun takes us away

from cares we face most every day.

Here we go again, that’s sure true.

We see, enjoy and don’t feel blue.

So full of love and life and song,

MAMMA MIA 2 can’t go wrong.

(Released by Universal Pictures and rated “PG-13” for some suggestive material.)