DOWNTON ABBEY
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(British soap opera)
Fans of the popular TV series will probably enjoy seeing their favorite British characters on the big screen. If you are like us and have not followed the antics at Downton Abbey, you may get lost among the plethora of characters and relationships.
The “Upstairs” family and the “Downstairs” servants live quite different lives, but the fun begins when they intermingle. The king and queen are coming to Downton Abbey, causing quite a frenzy throughout the household.
The first third of the two-hour movie is spent in preparation for the brief visit, calling back the former head butler, which upsets his replacement. Much to their disappointment, the staff learns that they have little to do and no contact with the royalty, who bring their own chef, butlers, maids and staff, and even their food with them.
Maggie Smith is wonderful as the sarcastic family member. The only problem is that some of her biting remarks are lost due to the English accent.
While a lot of little things happen, not an awful lot really happens. There is an assassination attempt that comes and goes quickly, a quick look at the male gay underground, a parade and some romances and rivalries. The most fun is had at the expense of the king and queen’s staff, as the downstairs group sabotages them and serves a dinner fit for a king and queen.
Fans will surely want to see this movie and the rest of us might go because of the curiosity factor.
Rated PG, with some profanity and sexual references.