Downton Abbey

I have to say it's everything I had hoped for as a fan of the series. I'll try to stay spoiler free here, but all the favorite cast members get a new arc or a continuation of where we left them. From Lady Mary to Branson to Mosely, the gang's all here. The new cast additions liven it up, from the Royal staff to Princess Mary to a nice performance from Imelda Staunton, who's playing a role far removed from Umbridge as Grantham cousin Lady Bagshaw, another foil for Maggie Grace.

Go see it, please. If it does well enough we may get another one!

Absolutely loved 'Downton Abbey' throughout its run and still do when watching repeats, so well made, written and acted (how could it not be with that cast) and not too demanding. It was always one of my most-anticipated programmes every year with each season and more often than not was a yearly highlight. Hearing that there was a film coming out, a large part of me leapt for joy and couldn't wait to see it. Decided though to wait until it was available either online or on DVD, with it not being in cinemas long and being shown at inaccessible times and places.

Finally watching it recently with family, also fans, for me it was impressive, polished and very entertaining but a little disappointing at the same time. It is a perfect piece of escapism, so easy to watch, leaves one entertained and charmed and does an awful lot right. If it was a little longer, slowed down and tried to not cram in as much as it did, 'Downton Abbey' would have been even better than it turned out to be.

It did feel on the rushed and jumpy side. As a result of being the opposite of too slight (which was what was feared, being worried as to whether the show would lend itself well to feature film). In that the film tried to cram in too much, with too many subplots and characters.

Like some others, it did feel like a season's worth of storylines crammed into a two hour film, indicative perhaps of it needing to be 15 minutes longer or two films. Some may not agree but that's my stance.

'Downton Abbey' looks great though, very sumptuous and clearly done with a lot of polish. Reminding me of what makes me love period dramas so much. Downton looks imposing and a feast for the eyes, like its own character, and its elegant interiors brings back fond memories of visiting national trusts. The photography is beautifully framed, the costumes evocative of its period and the scenery takes the breath away. The music avoids over-scoring and intrusion and the hypnotic main theme hasn't lost any of its magic. The direction is controlled and doesn't feel too television bound, opening up the drama enough.

Writing is witty and heart-warming, the disdainful put-downs from Violet really standing out. The story is never dull and does compel, entertain and warm the heart, despite being over-crowded. The cast are pretty much blameless, complete with all the original cast and a few worthy additions, with Maggie Smith stealing all of her scenes especially. Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern and Michelle Dockery (still looking beautiful) are still great and the servants are all played with great gusto and charm. Phyllis Logan standing out.

Overall, not great but very nice escapist entertainment that is impeccably acted and handsomely mounted. 7/10

I just didn't want it to end! Julian Fellows delights us again with his brilliant story telling, the production was simply smashing, and the Downton Abbey cast was magnificent as always. Loved the story lines and wouldn't another Downton Abbey movie next year be perfect. We just can't get enough. The audience applauded because like me they loved the movie. The series and this movie are both a must see. I'm fervently hoping for another Downton Abbey movie next year.

I'm a keen fan of Downtown Abbey as a Television Drama so I find it difficult to rate or critique Downton as a Cinema release.

Why? You may ask. I enjoyed the movie to a point because Ive also enjoyed the 52 episodes of the 6 series on television . However I don't really think it makes a great movie transfer although it's entertaining and enjoyable.. It has all the high quality wit and sumptuous surroundings of the original TV series and creator Julian Fellowes is a master of portraying the Upstairs/Downstairs world of the Aristocracy and the snobbery from both sides of the divide.

No spoilers from me other than anybody who saw the trailer knows the entire movie centres around a Royal visit to Downton Abbey from King George V and Queen Mary.

All the usual performances are as good as in the Television production but I really enjoyed the addition of Geraldine James as Queen Mary and Imelda Staunton as Lady Bagshaw cousin to the Dowager Countess Violet Crawley played beautifully as usual by Maggie Smith .

Anyone who enjoyed the Downton Abbey series will surely enjoy making acquaintance with all their favourite characters again but I'm not sure the big Cinema screen didn't make them seem more like soapy cardboard cut outs at times.

PS. As Mathew Goode heads the cast list on IMBd I expected to see more of him than just a walk on at the end, most disappointed as I think he would have made Lady Mary Crawley played by Michelle Dockery happier and less austere and irritating.

I adore the TV series, and this film was more of the same, which I loved. It is full of the same beautiful production quality, wit and humour. I can hear the criticisms already 'it was too sentimental', 'there wasn't enough complication' but my answer to that is that many of these characters had intense story arcs in the show, so it's nice to revisit them now and see them living, or finally getting, their happy endings without too much drama. Everyone in the cinema, myself included, laughed the whole way through this film, as is to be expected from Downton Abbey. And then there were other moments that were quite poignant to offset the humour, which blended perfectly. Yes, it's a movie for fans of the show, but why shouldn't it be? After years supporting this show and following these characters, why shouldn't we be rewarded? I had high expectations for this film, and was very satisfied with it, and that doesn't happen often. Well done to Julian Fellowes for staying true to his characters and delivering a film that is a delight to watch!