Review of DOWNTON ABBEY – Rated PG

DOWNTON ABBEY REVIEW

By Mary Cox

PG rated

If you are a fan of the television series “Downton Abbey” you are going to absolutely love this opportunity to spend a couple of hours with the Crawleys of Downton Abbey and their staff.  If you have never watched “Downton Abbey” on television you can still enjoy the elegant writing of Julian Fellowes.

The movie stands alone but like the television show the story is chuck full of twists, turns and tension when it is announced that the King and Queen of England plan to visit Downton Abbey.

There is only one word that describes the cinematography, sets and costumes: majestic.  Everything about this movie is regal; especially the acting.  Even though the television program saw all the characters going their own ways, Fellowes found a way to bring them all back flawlessly.

Michelle Dockery who plays Lady Mary Crawley looked terrific with her new bob hairdo and she seemed a little kinder than before.  Lady Edith, (Laura Carmichael), has never looked better.   Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern returned as Lord and Lady Crawley.

The downstairs staff is back with the Crawleys.  Mrs., Pattimore, (Lesley Nicol) and the irrepressible Daisy, (Sophie McShera), are in the kitchen.  The retired Carson, (Jim Carter), is brought back by Lady Mary.  Mrs. Hughes, (Phyllis Logan) is still head housekeeper. Anna (Joanne Froggatt) and Bates, (Brendan Coyle) have a son.  Anna saves the day when the royal staff come to Downton to replace the staff.

Imelda Staunton plays Maud Bagshaw, a cousin of Violet.  In real life she is Jim Carter’s wife.  You will recognize her from the Harry Potter series.

The banter between Violet Crawley, (Maggie Smith), And Isobel Merton, (Penelope Wilton),  was the highlight of the film for me and provided some of the funniest moments.

I am a fan of the “Downton Abbey” television show and I loved the movie.  I went to two screenings it was so good and I plan to purchase the film because this is a movie that you will want to see over and over; it will stand the test of time.  However, the best way to see the film for the first time is on the big screen.  “Downton Abbey”  needs to be seen on the big screen to do justice to the splendor of the production.

I GIVE THIS FILM 5 STARS