'Downton Abbey: A New Era' is a lot of the same old grandiosity the show's fans expect

*Slight spoilers ahead.*

“Downton Abbey: A New Era,” the newest film based on the wildly popular series, features all the grandiosity fans have come to expect from the show, with stunning scenery, beautiful sets and exquisite wardrobes.

The film, written by the creator of the series, Julian Fellowes, is exactly what you expect it to be, which is either a good or bad thing, depending on whether you’re already a fan.

"The modern world comes to Downton"

For the uninitiated, the series follows an aristocratic family and its servants from 1912, when the show starts, to 1928 when this film begins. It’s a wildly popular historical drama that’s more drama than history, and it features an ensemble cast, so bear with me if I don’t mention every character.

The film focuses on two plots. We find out that Violet Grantham (Dame Maggie Smith) is the owner of a villa in France, left to her by a man she knew long ago, much to his widow's chagrin. Nevertheless, Robert Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) is invited to bring some of the family to visit in the hopes of working things out.

While they are away, a movie is being filmed at Downton. It’s a nuisance, but it will pay enough to fix the roof and keep the place running. However, after filming starts, the director, Jack Barber (Hugh Dancy), gets a telegram that the studio has decided it’s only making talkies now, so his silent film is done.

He almost packs up and leaves until Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) suggests what probably should have been the obvious solution: adding dialog to the film. The problem, however, is that lead actress Myrna Dalgleish (Laura Haddock) doesn’t have the proper accent or acting experience.

For no specific reason, they ask Lady Mary if she will provide the voice while the actress lip-syncs the lines. If this sounds familiar it’s because it’s basically the plot of the 1952 film “Singing in the Rain.”

The actual movie ends with a hearse driving away (I won't say who, but it wouldn’t be "Downton Abbey" if someone didn’t die), and it cuts to a car driving toward the house with a couple and their baby. Things come and go, it’s the circle of life.

Rose-tinted movie screen

The film has its highs; there are some amusing one-liners throughout the film, visually it’s beautiful and it mostly has a happy ending. But it’s not without its lows.

Once the spell of the shiny sets and elegant music wears off, it feels less impressive and more hollow. Depending on who you ask, the entire series is either aesthetically pleasing, mindless escapism or self-righteous apologetics for the ultra-wealthy class.

It’s also hard to ignore that the only actors of color in the film are playing background musicians at a party. And I’m certainly not the first person to criticize the series for its lack of diversity or the portrayal of its Black character (yes, character, singular).

But before you say it’s for “historically accuracy,” that’s not really something the series is known for.

In an article titled “Turns out, I’m not the only Black person who loves ‘Downton Abbey,’” beauty and culture writer Tembe Denton-Hurst writes, “To be clear, Black people did exist. They're just missing — omitted from the storyline due to the complications their presence would present.”

All things considered

To be fully transparent, I have not seen every episode of the show. As something of an outsider, I thought it was decent as a stand-alone film. You’ll probably like it more if you’re already a fan — and probably about the same if you’re not.

'Downtown Abbey: A New Era' 3 stars

Great ★★★★★ Good ★★★★

Fair ★★★ Bad ★★ Bomb ★

Director: Simon Curtis.

Cast: Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern.

Rating: PG-13 for some suggestive references, language and thematic elements.

Note: In theaters May 20.

Contact the reporter at alexis.potter@azcentral.com or follow the reporter on Twitter at @alexispotter_.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Downton Abbey: A New Era' is made for loyal fans of the series.