Tanya’s Score: Okay-and-a-half* (as a movie)
Great* (as an extended episode)
Rated: PG
Starring: upstairs; downstairs; extended family; and a hot plumber
Plot: Downton is abuzz – both upstairs and downstairs – as the Crawleys prepare to host the royal family for a visit.
Tanya’s Verdict: I’m happy to report that within the cinematic walls of Downton Abbey – all is as it should be: Grandmama trades her witty barbs; Lady Edith is long-suffering; Lady Mary exerts her RBF control; Mrs. Patmore freaks out; and of course Molesley is good old hilarious Molesley. I’m sure I would have been disappointed otherwise.
Honestly – is this a good movie? I certainly can’t tell – because I’m enraptured by Downton Abbey (the tv show); the music, the sets. And I’ve come to anticipate all the characters as I know them and love them. So that didn’t disappoint.
BUT – there is nothing really all that exciting or tense or mysterious that happens within the plot. And the conclusion is predictable and pretty much happy all around – in typical Downton fashion.
I just don’t think this movie will mean much to any non-fans out there. And to be perfectly frank – I could have just as easily watched this as an extended episode on tv at home.
*Four score descriptions: Sh**; Okay; Good; Great