Chuck Goodwin

I'm a big Downton fan and have seen every episode of the TV series 4 times. Saw the first movie 3 times. Saw this one the first show of the first day it played in the US, apparently following the UK. It was a Friday matinee, so the audience was mostly retirees. Nobody arrived in costume, which will undoubtedly happen at other shows. I drove home thoroughly satisfied, thinking it was the best Downton ever. I think it deserves multiple Oscars and BAFTAs. Julian Fellowes is brilliant. I think he is to TV and movies (including the fabulous Gosford Park) what Dickens was to print. What a talent! I think the AMPAS should create a new Oscar category for ensemble cast, not necessarily to be awarded every year. This cast was very big and very good. The funeral procession showed so many people, participants and observers. They were nice enough to tell us the year early on, 1929. How things have progressed since 1912 (17 years) when the heir died with the Titanic going down in the very first episode. The French villa, all very beautiful, was a fine idea and got us out of the UK again. How it happened, why and the resolution of any intrigue kept me attentive. Branson's wife will have plenty of money and Sybie will have a great house to live in one day. I don't mind the movie starting with Tom and Lucy's marriage and the skipping of Daisy and Andrew's wedding altogether. We got the data points just fine and on with the plot. Mary and Edith, at each other's throats for most of the TV series, seem to be getting along much better which is nice to see. Barrow has good prospects for the future, at last. I loved the second plot line about shooting a movie in the Abby, with all the actor falderal, the emerging sound technology, Mary voicing the female lead, the female lead going to Hollywood for a new start and even Molesley becoming a script writer, not to mention a soon-to-be groom! Was that vase that Myma broke a prop or not? Glad they're getting their roof fixed. I also loved the way the servants all jumped in to take the parts of the striking actors, almost echoing their cooking for the king and queen, on short notice, in the first movie. They are quite a resourceful and competent group when they put their minds to it. Violet and Isobel got along well too. Violet's leaving this world, demanded by the previous movie, was handled very well. She got a good send-off. Maggie Smith has had a great career, hopefully with more to come. I think most of the characters have evolved appropriately. Edith is starting to write again. Mr Carson will be coming back to be butler. There are plenty of things to be continued for a 3rd movie. Mrs. Patmore may be getting married, with Daisy playing match-maker. The Great Depression and WWII are just over the horizon too. If there is a 3rd one, I'll be at its first screening too. Hat's off again to Mr. Fellowes. I thoroughly enjoyed it and did wipe away a tear or two. Lots and lots of people will be seeing this movie this summer and will be thrilled. What fun we've had for 12 years- very highly recommended! I'll be going again tomorrow, first show.