I had mostly missed Lord Julian Fellowes’ television series until recently, and it took me roughly thirty minutes to figure out who was connected to whom, their marital status, family relationships, and general dynamics. After that initial adjustment period, the story progresses at a good pace; it's visually appealing and depicts the decline of the British landed gentry with flair and elegance. Maggie Smith and Penel…

The move of ‘Downton Abbey’ to a film isn't among the worst conversions from television to cinema, but it comes across as an average movie that provides enjoyment for those who already like the series. For people unfamiliar with the show, there’s no real point in seeing this. The movie feels more like a longer episode than a proper theatrical release, though existing viewers will likely be happy to experience it in c…