Downton Abbey: A New Era  ★★★

THERE are two stars of the Downton Abbey television/film franchise.

One is obvious – the veteran actress Dame Maggie Smith who again dominates the latest cinema instalment Downton Abbey: A New Era.

The other is creator and writer Julian Fellowes who continues to do an extraordinary job juggling multiple characters and story-lines to produce a satisfying, inoffensive whole.

At times the new film does feel like it is biting off more than it can chew, trying to squeeze events that would normally be spread over 12 hours of television into fraction of the time.

This results in some sudden jumps in the narrative and condensing of dramatic sequences. But the pace of the film also takes you quickly passed these moments, ultimately allowing you to marvel at Fellowes’ ability to keep all the balls entertainingly aloft for two hours before they all simultaneously descend in a satisfying end.

The first smart thing the film does is re-introduce all the characters – and I mean all of them; there must be 20 regular speaking parts – by way of a wedding.

The camera sweeps in familiar fashion over forest and up to the estate, turning towards a chapel, through the windows and settling on the bride and groom before they leave down the aisle, passing family, friends and employees.

It’s a nice way of immediately showing the fans that they’re back and amongst familiar friends.

I saw bits of the television series but wasn’t a regular watcher; in fact I struggle to recall character names even though many of the faces are very familiar.

The first film was fine, but the plot about an attempt to kill a member of the Royal Family seemed a little too forced and unsatisfying; maybe even a little too dramatic for Downton fans who are used to more subtle dramatic events.

This second film is much better with plot lines that are more in keeping with the tone of the franchise.

Once again it’s primarily aimed at the fans, who won’t be disappointed, but it’s a pretty easy watch for the rest of us as well, particularly when Maggie Smith is chewing the scenery with relish.