timothywalton-31924

To be frank, though the second Downton Abbey film reunites us with some of my favourite screen characters again, I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as the previous film. 'A new era' disposes of the structure which has made the previous film and the tv series so engaging, instead opting for a more conventional movie structure. There is now less a focus on intimate subplots involving the respective characters, rather a larger, or rather two larger storylines. The superior storyline is easily that of the film production plot set in the castle, which explores, interestingly, the transition of films into the sound era. It approaches this topic with the empathy and warmth which has come to characterise and define this franchise. The second plot deals with a villa in the south of France. I felt this storyline rather wanting, for its central mysteries seem like rehashed versions of the older Prince Kuragin subplot we have seen in the TV series. It does give the filmmakers an excuse to film in the gorgeously beautiful south of France, but I find the characters didn't have much to do while they were there. There wasn't much of a tension, of a conflict there to keep us excited. As a result the middle of the film drags on with too much fat and too little plot. The writing in the first two thirds of the film also felt a tad duller than what we were used to. It gets overly maudlin at times, which destroyers the appeal of Downton abbey, which is supposed to be a soap opera with witty writing from its English restraint. Thankfully, the last 40 minutes of the film picks up pace and races to the finish line. It wraps up the two plot lines, and gives us the death of a beloved character. The film handles this death with the franchises' trademark wit and optimism. A hopefulness for new beginnings. And so Downton Abbey 2 ends. Overall a uneven film which is too bottom heavy. Definitely serviceable material for the millions who are fans of the TV series. But from a critical perspective, a film which DNA deviates a tad too much from the previous film and the TV series. And consequently not as predictably enjoyable.

'Downton Abbey' makes no pretensions as to what its real purpose is. This is not a film which should or indeed can be watched as a standalone movie in itself. Neither should it be judged as such. Downton is a movie made in response to the immense success and widespread cultural phenomenon brought about by the esteemed TV show, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. This film should hence be considered as an extension of the main series itself, a sort of longer version of the shows beloved Christmas specials. And in so doing it succeeds well. It offers many of the shows trademark drama(or soap, really). Much like the show, there is no main conflict to be resolved, only smaller subplots involving the respective characters to keep its viewers entertained. The characters are also portrayed to the same high caliber as the show. And the film also features the same themes of loyalty and camaraderie, and the warmth, wit, and hopefulness of the show. And so it is exceedingly difficult to judge this film, for it isn't really a film. Perhaps a more consequential plot could have been included, and its characters could have been given more to do. But that assessment, accurate as it may be, would neglect to consider the true purpose of this film. Above anything else, Downton is merely an excuse for us to see this large cast of characters we have come to adore. It is a beautiful reunion of characters whose stories have already been so intricately drawn and developed in the tv series. It is undemanding entertainment, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Another day, another marvel film. This is a film that is here to make money for its producers, a film which does not justify its existence artistically. The plot is predictable, the dialogue is trite, and the acting is wooden. The action lacks intensity, and just on the whole, this film lacks any shred of originality. Probably the only redeeming feature in this film is that it starts and ends quickly- the film has a good pace that will hold an audiences attention(though there are several fan service moments which just seem tacked on). Brave new world exemplifies what has gone wrong with marvel films nowadays; its actors have become weary and its screenwriters just can't for the love of god, think of something new. Another middling, empty, insignificant marvel movie.