Review: 'Downton Abbey' film is stately but too safe

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'Downton Abbey ' is more like another season of the popular 'Masterpiece Classic' show that's been condensed to 90 minutes instead of 8 hours.

1 / 10Film Review -Downton AbbeyThis image released by Focus features shows Elizabeth McGovern, from left, Harry Hadden-Paton, Laura Carmichael, Hugh Bonneville and Michael Fox, right, in a scene from"Downton Abbey." The highly-anticipated film continuation of the"Masterpiece" series that wowed audiences for six seasons, will be released Sept. 13, 2019, in the United Kingdom and on Sept. 20 in the United States. The"Downton Abbey"movie isn't exactly a movie.

For"Downton" devotees, the crumbs might be enough. For anyone else just dropping in, however,"Downton Abbey" doesn't exactly stand on its own. Lady Mary even decides to enlist the help of their retired Butler Mr. Carson , when she feels like his successor Thomas Barrow isn't equipped to handle this high profile occasion. It's one of many constructions that will leave you wondering whether fan service has gotten in the way of believable storytelling. Yes, it brings Carson back to Downton and allows Thomas to go off on his own adventure in town, but it's hard to deny that this is one overstuffed movie.

That's not to say that there aren't good moments. There are, in fact, many, especially for those who miss the voyeurism of the fancy dress evenings with the family and their helpers. As in the series, the Dowager is always a standout and at 84, Maggie Smith is as fierce and fiery as ever in bringing her to life. And it is always lovely spending time in such lush surroundings.

 

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