Term paper #2 Movie review

     

    To begin let me set the scene. A mother and daughter walk up to the Movie Tavern  in Little Rock, Arkansas. As they walk from the car, they clutch their blankets tight concealing their contraband candy. However, as they not so suspiciously, yet kind of suspiciously, walk up to buy their tickets their candy clanks around in the little boxes and they each look at each other a giggle multiple times. You would think it is their first time completing this oh so secret and important mission, but I am sad to say it is not. From an early age two of the women that I look up to the most have taught me the art of sneaking candy into the movie theaters to avoid paying for overprice candy, and its's not even the king size candy. 

    So, let's rewind and start from the beginning. Over fall break me and my mom decided we were going to have a little girl's night out and go out for dinner and a movie. We decided that we were going to go on a Wednesday night for two reasons. One; we knew we would pretty much have the theater to ourselves. And two; after Wednesday night all of the movies became pretty much all horror movies. So, we decided that we would go watch Downton Abbey: the Grand Finale. While no not the most exciting of films for someone in their early 20s it seemed like the best option. 

                                           

     When we walked in the aroma of buttery popcorn greeted our noses like a welcoming host beckoning us into the cozy lobby. On one side there was the bar and sitting area filled with leather couches and fancy decor that just screams 'We are not your average movie theater, we are better'. There is not carpet that has been around since the dawn of time with shooting neon stars and questionable stains. And one thing that I had never really thought about before is there is no big concessions counter with specialty popcorn buckets and cups, or the candy all lined up in a lit-up case like rows of jewels, there is no spinning slushie machine, and no pop of popcorn being freshly made. At the Movie Tavern you simply order your food online to be brought directly to your seat. And though while this is convenient, and you do not miss any of the previews for upcoming releases waiting in line, I feel as though it kind of takes away part of that movie going experience. 

   Once we found are way to our seats and made ourselves comfortable that is when the final piece of our candy smuggling mission could unfold. The key is to wait until the drink and popcorn you ordered arrives and the lights start to dim that you get your contraband out. And that is exactly what we did. So, with our candy in hand and popcorn and drinks sitting on the little table on our chairs, we slowly began to recline back and relax. And I saw slowly because of the leather sliding on leather the chairs make that for whatever reason is just a little embarrassing in a quiet theater and so you have to wait for the loud previews to play. 

    The Movie Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale was a very well-done movie I believe. Does it have a lot of action and adventure? No. But did it still catch and hold my attention throughout the film? Yes. One of the things that I thought was very clever is that members of the cast did a little review over the events of the last film and recent seasons of the show to refresh memories. And with a franchise as long running as Downton Abbey and with so much information and events that have happened this was a great help. 

    The movie focuses on preserving the past while also still embracing the future to come. In the film members of the family are faced with challenges of this new era that they have found themselves in. The world around them is changing, new social guidelines, new technology, a new economic situation that has taken a toll on everyone, down to even new fashion trends. The 1930s, which is the time when the movie is set, was not named the Modern Era for no reason after all. 

    During the movie there is a reoccurring theme of the younger generation taking over for the older generation. And a new way of doing things taking over the old way. At first, we see the characters struggle with this a little bit. Especially Robert, with handing over the reins to Mary to take control of Downton. But also, as much as Robert struggles with letting go, Mary also struggles with fully stepping into the role as head of the house. Which to be fair she has had her share of scandal and her hands full with other problems as well. 

    We see several members of the staff retire or try to in Mr. Carsons case. Ms. Patmore hands over the kitchens to Daisy and Mr. Carson retires allowing Andy a chance to fill the role and Robert passes the crown to Mary. And Lady Crawley steps in to being part of the board that plans the county fair. A position that the Dowager Countess held before passing. 

    Overall, I thought the Movie was very well done. The Internet Movie Database rated the film a 7.5. And one reviewer stated it was "Perfect way to end a show" and that " I laughed, I cried. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, and I felt it was an amazing closure". Though I would not rank it my favorite movie ever or even place it at the top of my rewatch list the film was really well done. True to Downton Abbey fashion it stayed close to historical accuracy, and it is a good, relaxing watch. It's the kind of movie that makes you want to cuddle up on the couch on a chilly fall night with a fire going in the fireplace and a good glass of wine in hand.  And as someone who has watched the television series as well as the movies I can agree that it was a perfect ending for the franchise.