Film: Downton Abbey

GENRE: Drama

RATING: PG for thematic elements
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 2 minutes

STARRING: Michelle Dockery (Good Behavior, Anna Karenina)

Allen Leech (Bohemian Rhapsody), Maggie Smith (Harry Potter)

DIRECTOR: Michael Engler (Sex and the City, 30 Rock, Downton)

WRITER: Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park, The Tourist, Downton)

PLOT: The royal family visits the Crawly family. Manners ensue.  

FULL DISCLOSURE: I enjoyed the television series.

STORY STUFF: It was a pleasant film. Nothing profound. Just think of it as an extended episode with some nicer (expensive) camerawork. I was happy that Lady Mary’s storyline was pretty small as I don’t like her much. I like Tom, who had a lot to do this time around. Keep in mind, if you haven’t watched the series, you’ll be pretty lost with most of the character backstories.  

ACTING STUFF: A little annoyed that Matthew Goode, who plays Mary’s husband, gets one of the top billings yet is barely in the film. The acting is on par with the television series. Smith is still wonderful as Violet. Enjoyed Imelda Staunton (Harry Potter) as Violet’s rival.

ARTISTIC STUFF: Some beautiful shots of the Downton Abbey exterior. Can’t think of too much else that caught my eye. Wondering if they are going to get Oscar nominations for costume as the academy usually praises elegant period pieces.   

VERDICT: Three stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You watched & enjoyed the TV series. (Not for newcomers.)

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Ad Astra, The Joker