Downton Abbey – The Grand Finale
Saturday afternoon I had my favorite lunch, popcorn and Coke Zero at the movie theater. The movie in question was Downton Abbey – The Grand Finale.
In the first film, it was a visit from the King and Queen. The second film, there was a trip to the South of France for 1/2 of the clan, while the other half stayed behind and a movie crew filmed at the Abbey. Now in this third film, Mary is newly divorced, and London society is scandalized. The effort is to keep her from being shunned from the local community as well.
What else is going on? Mrs. Patmore and Carson are getting ready to retire, Cora’s brother (sad Paul Giamatti) and his investor friend are visiting from the States with bad news about the family finances, Thomas and his actor friend are visiting and have brought Noel Coward, and the town is going to host a faire. Did I like it? No. Did I love it? Yes, yes I did. Every sappy moment. I liked seeing the growth and maturing of the characters. There were horses. It was charming. I would have liked to see more evidence that Mary and Edith spent time with the kids, but I loved it anyway. Highly recommended.
18 Comments
AC
Thanks for the report. I’ve lost track and didn’t know there were two movies. I haven’t seen either. I loved the series, but when we decided to rewatch it later, it didn’t work for us. We can watch good mysteries more than once, but shows like this don’t seem to bear repeating. Great once around though.
J
I’m laughing at your comment because I cannot tell you how many times I have rewatched the entire series. Just goes to show that we’re all different!
AC
True dat
Ally Bean
I’m looking forward to seeing this movie. I have to know how it all ends [if this indeed is the ending]. I’m very invested in this story in a ridiculous way.
J
ME TOO! They did a good job of wrapping things up in many ways, but it could totally keep going. I hope it does.
Jacquie
Going to see it on Thursday – can’t wait! It’s great eye candy on the big screen with the beautiful sets, clothes and cinematography.
J
It’s definitely a feast for the eyes!
Margaret
John and I are eager to see it; we both love Downton Abbey! I will also love every sappy moment and will undoubtedly cry at the end. That series gave me so much viewing pleasure over the years. It was a much needed escape!
J
This one will be a much needed escape as well! So fun.
Nicole MacPherson
How was it without the Countess Dowager?
J
She was dearly missed, but I loved it anyway.
nance
Rick and I just watched the first film. I didn’t love it. I thought it was too much focus on mundane things and we didn’t get enough character and stuff. Did I really have to see them set up chairs in the rain, etc.? Still, it was Downton Abbey, and that’s always nice.
I had no idea there was a second film! How did I miss it and where can I stream it, if anywhere? I’m off to do some sleuthing.
J
Oh, of the 3 films, I think I like this third one the most, then the second, then the first last. Time spent with Downton is a GOOD THING, but it wasn’t as good as the other two.
Oh, you didn’t see the second one? I hope you enjoy it! There’s some silliness for sure, but you definitely should see it before you see the 3rd one.
ernie
These do sound lovely. My folks were very into watching the series, the one on PBS – I think, or am I getting that confused with some other British show? I bet I would enjoy this, but haven’t seen any of them. I laughed when you wrote that you didn’t like it, you love it. Quite the sales pitch.
J
Yes, it was on PBS! There are 6 seasons I think, then 3 movies. If you ever feel like watching a lot of TV, you could go for it! The seasons aren’t terribly long, though. 10 episodes each maybe?
Kat
I really need to see this in the theater because otherwise I’ll surely forget or be too distracted to truly enjoy it when it comes to streaming. That’s what happened with the second film! I didn’t watch the series when it was originally on but picked it up/watched it in entirety in spring/fall/winter 2020-2021. That (and the show Poldark) essentially kept me company and were primary sources of entertainment/joy during those difficult times! I look back on them extremely fondly but also wistfully. They were atypical for me (not a big historical/British drama series fan previously) but real delights. I tried the show Jamestown during that time too but it didn’t stick!
J
I’m the same way watching things on streaming. iPad, or I fall asleep, or whatever. Much better for me on the big screen.
Tobia | craftaliciousme
I am just catching up on all your posts and this is the first I am able to comment on.
I have not watched Donwtown Abby and its not at all interesting to me.
But your previous posts have been. That flower arrangement tGrace gave you was so gorgeous.
Yeah for a new car. We are picking ours up next weekend.
Also the declutter project is so interestomg. Did I understand correctly, that you do one thing a day?