Review of Downton Abbey (2019) by Bhbarry — 23 Sep 2019

“Downton Abbey” is the long awaited feature film version of the six season television series that was previously shown on PBS and, like its creator, was also written by Julian Fellows,.

The film was directed by Michael Engler and stars all of the usual suspects including Elizabeth Mc/Govern, Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith and Michelle Dockery. It is difficult to write a review of a film where this viewer, at least, has seen all prior television episodes. As a result, its feature length counterpart appears to be more like another but longer episode of its parent television series.

For those few unfamiliar with the series and its characters, I would assume that for them there is a problem in not understanding the true nature and history of the characters that past viewers had a chance to learn, absorb and understand over 6 years of television watching. To that extent those “uneducated” viewers will be seeing an interesting and well acted film presentation with extremely high production values in a well written format..

For those experienced veterans of the series, it will be like “old home week” seeing the beloved and respected group of noble persons and their staff as they encounter diverse and interesting plots and plot twists where the viewer is involved until the very end of the theatrical experience. The latter type of viewer, most of whom were in the audience in which I saw the film, acted much like a group of dedicated groupies at a music concert where the performers could do no wrong regardless of the performance.

Factoring all of the above I give the film a rating of 8 because, when all is said and done, it is an enjoyable film to watch and despite its 2 hour and 15 minute length, the only watch you will look at is the one held in the hand of Lord Crawley as he awaits the call for dinner.