When it comes to films based on TV series, reboots, remakes, franchises, sequels, prequels, or continuations, Hollywood reigns king. "Downtown Abbey" is based on the TV series. Let's see, have we seen this before? Let's count: "Charlie's Angels", Starsky & Hutch", "The Addams Family", "Get Smart", "Shaft"; shall I go on? When will we see more originality in films Hollywood?
The TV series, "Downtown Abbey", becomes a grand motion picture event. The beloved Crawleys comprised of Robert (Hugh Bonneville), Violet (Maggie Smith) and Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) and their intrepid staff including Mr. Carson (Jim Carter), Daisy Mason (Sophie McShera) and Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nicol) prepare for the most important moment of their lives--a royal visit from the king, King George V (Simon Jones) and queen, Queen Mary (Geraldine James) of England in the early 20th century. This, in multiple ways, will unleash scandal, romance and intrigue that will leave the future of Downtown hanging in the balance.
Others to round out the cast are Matthew Goode as Henry Talbot, Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Talbot, Tuppence Middleton as Lucy Smith, Allen Leech as Tom Branson, Penelope Wilton as Isobel Merton, David Haig as Mr. Wilson, Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith, Max Brown as Richard Ellis, Robert James-Collier as Thomas Barrow and Kate Phillips as Princess Mary.
This was effectively directed by Michael Engler ("Mastergate" (TV movie) '92, "Twenty Questions" (TV movie) '06, "Two Families" (TV movie) '07, "Single with Parents" (TV movie) '08, "Lost & Found" (TV movie) '09) plus a ton of TV and a short. Considering this filmmaker has directed several of the Downtown Abbey TV episodes during the season of 2014 and 15, he certainly didn't have to go out on a limb of how he was to direct this. Surely familiarity can help with the right continuity or tempo with the original, but this couldn't have been a stretch for him to create any character development for this production. The fact that this is his first theatrical film speaks volumes on his ability, however as I've mentioned in other reviews, having a strong TV background can only be an asset to working in feature films. It was written by Julian Fellowes ("Gosford Park" '01, "Vanity Fair" '04, "Piccadilly Jim" '04, "Separate Lies" '05, "The Young Victoria" '09, "The Tourist" '10, "Romeo & Juliet" '13, "Crooked House" '17, "The Chaperone" '18, "School of Rock" '18) plus TV, based on the TV series and characters created by Julian Fellowes. Even though I've never seen this series before (don't judge me), it was still written in a series type of style. Of course, with the creator also penning the screenplay here, it would be easy to see that similar style. It was written in a way where there were different small subplots that eventually melded together as the story was unfolding. Certainly Fellowes knows how to write a well orchestrated screenplay, however this storyline isn't anything we haven't seen before in films. Period films have been quite common in the past 20 years, and will continue to be produced. The acting was solid and strong, especially by the consummate veteran Maggie Smith. Her acerbic wit is always clever, dry and entertaining. She perennially plays these types of roles, but she is so incredible in these roles, the forgiveness has to be implemented.
Surely if these types of period films are your delight, you'll be in film heaven, however if they aren't, the acting, photography, costumes, and the grandiose production that it is will win you over. Did it have some issues? Sure, but it's a great way to escape for a couple of hours in another world.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG 121mins.
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