Whether you've been living under a rock for several years, due to choice or circumstance, or you were a dyed-in-the-wool devotee of Downton Abbey, I recommend you plop yourself down in a comfortable, cool, dark theater and for two hours steep yourself in the bygone era of the early 1900s. Now, I try not to romanticize past eras, even those I've lived through. The very definition of nostalgia conveys a certain rose-colored glass perspective, often far from reality. HOWEVER, for these two hours you will be immersed in a time of manners, civility, pomp and regalia, and a certain comfort within the very constriction of convention. (Boy, couldn't we use that now!) Listen closely to the conversations of British aristocracy. They're not stuffy at all! Words are measured and refined, but the substance and the passion are there. All your favorite characters are there...well, not MATHew, but, you know... The movie? Short on plot: the King and Queen are coming. That's it. But the film is a reunion for fans, a snapshot of a time and place, with more humor than the series ever had. There is one side narrative of poignant relevancy, and another scene of deep familial sentiment. It's all I needed, and I enjoyed every minute. Oh - and if you're new to the D.A. phenomenon, or you're forgetful, don't worry; Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson (out of character) take us through a quick review before the show.
Isobel: "How you hate to be wrong."
Violet: "I wouldn't know; I'm not familiar with the sensation."
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tu3mP0c51hE
