As much as I enjoyed the series, this (first of ?) movie post-series was a bit of a disappointment. As others have mentioned, Julian Fellowes has written too much into a very narrow timeframe. Unlike the series, where you can develop the character and their particular situation, here there are as many individuals but far too much going on. If you're a romantic, like and believe in fairy tales, and want some mindless entertainment, then this will satisfy you. The production clearly spared no expense in either the settings, costumes (the women's dresses were so extravagant as to be distracting), and presenting the two main themes: the royal visit and the ball, that it became almost a musical. Everyone seems to have been affected by the 'happy fairy dust' that made them all love one another all of a sudden, like Mary and Edith. Even the new head butler has had a complete character change. Thank goodness our dowager has retained her sense of humour and snarky remarks! Maggie Smith will be missed if this is truly her last hurrah. I would say watch this if you want a short and intense shot and of what the series offers but can't sit through it all. Again, too much crammed into a small space.
Review of Downton Abbey
