Downton Abbey,
Downton Abbey: A New Era - 10/5 Stars Pure magic & magnificently entertaining
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| Downton Abbey: A New Era Review |
Over the lockdown, I became a big Downton Abbey fan. I was swept away by the good-natured charm of the characters and it really was a delight to watch each episode and continually be surprised by people just doing good things for one another despite some tough turns. So after six seasons and a 2019 big-screen film I was eagerly awaiting a return to Downton for the continuing escapades of the Crawley's and their familiars.
Last night (date night) we went along to a screening of Downton Abbey: A New Era and were not disappointed quite the contrary. What a corker of an evening.
Before the film started we were treated to the new thrilling trailer for Jurassic World Dominion and my first look at the absolutely charming Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, definitely one I’m looking forward to.
Downton Abbey: A New Era
From award-winning creator Julian Fellowes comes the motion picture event DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA. The much-anticipated cinematic return of the global phenomenon reunites the beloved cast as they go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa.
From award-winning creator Julian Fellowes comes the motion picture event DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA. The much-anticipated cinematic return of the global phenomenon reunites the beloved cast as they go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa.
Video: Downton Abbey: A New Era - Official Trailer - Only in Cinemas April 29
Creator and writer of Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes brings almost the whole cast back for Downton Abbey: A New Era, who are joined for the first time by Director Simon Curtis, granted his filmography and theatre background make him an apt choice as he brings the film to screen marvellously. But he is also the real world husband of Elizabeth McGovern (Cora Crawley the Countess of Grantham) so has a world of insight to draw on through her 2 decade history with the show.
Video: DDownton Abbey: A New Era - Film Recap - In Cinemas April 29
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| Downton Abbey: A New Era - Allen Leech stars as Tom Branson and Tuppence Middleton as Lucy Smith in DOWNTON ABBEY: A New Era |
The film picks up a little after events from the 2019 Downton Abbey film at the end of the 1920s and moves ahead in 2 key plot drives, an interesting development concerning the Dowager inheriting a gorgeous villa in the South of France. Maggie Smith’s Dowager and matriarch of Downton has always been one of the most interesting characters in the show, due in no small part to Maggie Smith’s delivery of her incisive dialogue - but combined with her background history she has become the heart and spirit of Downton Abbey. This latest development means travel to the continent, gorgeous locations, hilarity and various complications culminating in an existential crisis whilst a dark spectre hangs over the Crawleys.
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| Downton Abbey: A New Era - Elizabeth McGovern stars as Cora Grantham and Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith Hexham in DOWNTON ABBEY: A New Era, a Focus Features release. |
At the same time, the ongoing theme of progress and modernization is addressed as Downton receives a much-needed offer from film producer and director Jack Barber (Hugh Dancy) to make a moving picture at Downton Abbey. This turn brings glamour and new visitors like Laura Haddock's Myrna Dalgleish and Dominic West's Guy Dexter to Downton. As the film crew comes to Downton, Michelle Dockery's Lady Mary has her hands full and honour and loyalty are tested as difficulties and levity ensue.
I have to say that Dominic West brings a casually disarming performance making him one of the highlights of the film.
Another highlight are the magnificent costumes all round, but I was particularly taken by Hugh Bonneville’s Earl of Grantham's travelling outfits. Some stunning couture is on display and he wears them so well. I feel I should be running through the list of the cast that returns and how they each embody the characters I have come to know and love but you’ll have to trust me on this they are magic and I fear we may not see the likes of Downton Abbey for a long time to come.
I feel that Downton Abbey: A New Era is a companion piece to the 2019 Downton Abbey film and addresses the loose ends and characters whose storylines were not resolved.
Downton Abbey: A New Era is a welcome return to escapism entertainment that has eluded cinema of late. In a fractured and divisive world, with everyone in a rush to get their piece of the promised pie at any cost, a wholesome heartwarming return to Downton Abbey is just what we needed.
If the story of Downton Abbey says goodbye with Downton Abbey: A New Era I am more than happy with this. This is a better end than I could have imagined and truly a high note. I doff my hat in the direction of writer Julian Fellowes and the cast for bringing the magic back.
10 out of 5 stars as Downton Abbey: A New Era far exceeded my expectations.
THE ESTABLISHING SHOT: DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA - REVIEW 10/5 STARS PURE MAGIC, MAGNIFICENTLY ENTERTAINING AND A LOT OF GOOD-NATURED FUN
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| Downton Abbey: A New Era - Laura Haddock stars as Myrna Dalgleish and Michael Fox as Andy in DOWNTON ABBEY: A New Era, a Focus Features release. |
Another highlight are the magnificent costumes all round, but I was particularly taken by Hugh Bonneville’s Earl of Grantham's travelling outfits. Some stunning couture is on display and he wears them so well. I feel I should be running through the list of the cast that returns and how they each embody the characters I have come to know and love but you’ll have to trust me on this they are magic and I fear we may not see the likes of Downton Abbey for a long time to come.
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| Downton Abbey: A New Era (l-r.) Harry Hadden-Paton stars as Bertie Pelham, Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith, Tuppence Middleton as Lucy Smith and Allen Leech as Tom Branson in DOWNTON ABBEY: A New Era, a Focus Features release. |
I feel that Downton Abbey: A New Era is a companion piece to the 2019 Downton Abbey film and addresses the loose ends and characters whose storylines were not resolved.
Downton Abbey: A New Era is a welcome return to escapism entertainment that has eluded cinema of late. In a fractured and divisive world, with everyone in a rush to get their piece of the promised pie at any cost, a wholesome heartwarming return to Downton Abbey is just what we needed.
If the story of Downton Abbey says goodbye with Downton Abbey: A New Era I am more than happy with this. This is a better end than I could have imagined and truly a high note. I doff my hat in the direction of writer Julian Fellowes and the cast for bringing the magic back.
10 out of 5 stars as Downton Abbey: A New Era far exceeded my expectations.
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| Downton Abbey: A New Era Film Poster |
Downton Abbey: A New Era - In UK Cinemas 29th April 2022
From award-winning creator Julian Fellowes comes the motion picture event DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA. The much-anticipated cinematic return of the global phenomenon reunites the beloved cast as they go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa.
Directed by:
Simon Curtis
Written by:
Julian Fellowes
Produced by:
Gareth Neame, Liz Trubridge, Julian Fellowes
Cast:
Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Joanne Froggatt, Harry Hadden-Paton, Robert James-Collier, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Tuppence Middleton, Lesley Nicol, Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton, Penelope Wilton, and new cast members Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye, Dominic West, Jonathan Zaccaï
From award-winning creator Julian Fellowes comes the motion picture event DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA. The much-anticipated cinematic return of the global phenomenon reunites the beloved cast as they go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa.
Directed by:
Simon Curtis
Written by:
Julian Fellowes
Produced by:
Gareth Neame, Liz Trubridge, Julian Fellowes
Cast:
Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Joanne Froggatt, Harry Hadden-Paton, Robert James-Collier, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Tuppence Middleton, Lesley Nicol, Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton, Penelope Wilton, and new cast members Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye, Dominic West, Jonathan Zaccaï
THE ESTABLISHING SHOT: DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA - REVIEW 10/5 STARS PURE MAGIC, MAGNIFICENTLY ENTERTAINING AND A LOT OF GOOD-NATURED FUN
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