‘Downton Abby’s’ transition to film isn't going to make it onto any worst film-to-TV adaptions lists, but it is a mediocre film that offers two hours of fun for fans of the show. If you’re not a fan, there is absolutely no reason to see it. The film seems more like an extended TV special rather than a theatrical film, but fans won’t be mad to see it on the big screen.
- Chris dos Santos
Read Chris' full article...
https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-downton-abbey-transition-from-tv-to-film-not-as-classy-as-expected
Lord Julian Fellowes television series' had largely passed me by, so it did take about half an hour for me to establish who was who/married to whom/related to whom/liked/loathed and generally to get my bearings. Once that was all done, the film moves along apace; looks great and portrays the tail end of the period of the pre-eminence of the British landed aristocracy with style and panache. Dames Maggie Smith and Penelope Wilton stand out, though feature sparingly and as you'd expect - the costumes, cinematography and score are very good. It is a delightful, though hardly thought-provoking watch....