By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.5 cats
Director: Michael Engler
Starring: Imelda Staunton | Lesley Nicol | Maggie Smith | Michael Fox | Michelle Dockery | Stephen Campbell Moore
Country: united_kingdom, united_states
Year: 2019
Running time: 122
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6398184
Thom says: “This is an absurdly easy film to review because it’s nearly impossible to believe that anyone who loved the mega-successful television series from 2010 wouldn’t also praise this highly entertaining affair. Director Engler has done only one other feature film but some of his work in television is exemplary including 6 FEET UNDER, SEX & THE CITY, NASHVILLE, THE BIG “C”, EMPIRE, &, of course, DOWNTON ABBEY. The film is a continuation of the saga of the English aristocratic Crawley family, serious land owners of a large, farming estate in the early 20th Century, that hires dozens of hard-working servants. Currently the story will revolve around the King & Queen arriving at Downton Abbey for a short stay with a retinue coming along. The Royal Kitchen staff as well as the other Royal head servants arrive in advance to take over from the staff at the Abbey, much to their horror. There’s enough drama for 10 plots and it’s helped enormously that they were able to acquire all the services from the television series actors. In this case familiarity breeds respect with a bit of enchantment. But, if you haven’t watched the series you might be in a bit of a muddle here. Previous choice television series that were then made into films like SEX & THE CITY, DEADWOOD, ENTOURAGE among many beyond measure. Each one tries to capture the spirit of the source while attracting new viewers, it’s a difficult task to do well and this is somewhat successful in that regard. Other than disliking Michelle Dockery’s new hair style I was captured from the start and I especially liked the ball held at the end of the film. Still, I couldn’t help but think this is a totally white film, of a world long lost. 4.5 cats“