The Splendor of DOWNTON ABBEY

The prestigious PBS show, Downton Abbey, is given a full cinematic treatment, and the results are a dazzling valentine to fans.

In the 1920s, the stately Downton Abbey is about to be visited by the King and Queen, and feverish preparations and power struggles ensue that impact the family and its servants. When a mysterious heir to the Downton legacy appears, a major showdown brews with some revealing surprises and truths. Old relationships are rekindled and new ones are forged as the whirlwind royal event takes center stage with a whiff of conspiracy. 

For those unfamiliar with the show, it works as a marvelous period drama, but there are numerous subplots and familiar faces whose histories have become such canon that faithful legions will be rewarded as it sets up intriguing situations going forward. The returning cast has retained its endearing chemistry and is highlighted by Maggie Smith as the matriarch who gets some juicy moments. 

This film adaptation is more lavish in scale (a royal ball is a magnificent set piece,) with beautiful, fluid camerawork and extremely well-paced editing.  The set designs and period costumes are complemented by a magistral score.  

Julian Fellowes’ (Gosford Park) sharp screenplay juggles interweaving storylines (each of which could serve as a TV episode), effortlessly shuffling back and forth among a dozen sets of characters while contrasting the lives of aristocracy and servant class.  Above all, there is the honor, pride, tradition, and family.  The film never minimizes its grandeur nor does it glamorize at the expense of its rich characters and themes.  

The film effectively conveys the sense of a grand era about to recede in wake of a modern world and new beginnings. A splendid adaptation of a beloved show.

***1/2 of **** stars (add ½* for Downton Abbey fans)

Batman 80 Years Old!

80 years ago, Bob Kane and Bill Finger created pop culture phenomenon Batman, a super hero who was more grounded in dark reality than the extraordinary powers of his contemporary, Superman. Here was a non traditional hero whose villainous adversaries were bizarre yet also realistic.

In 1966, when Batman premiered on ABC as a twice weekly cliffhanger series with its POW BIFF SPLAT and colorful sets and villains, it was a revelation! Batmania swept the nation. (I had the model batmobile too.)

When Tim Burton made his stylish Batman in 1989 with of all people, Michael Keaton as the lead, it was bold. And what sets and an over the top Jack Nicholson as The Joker.
(The sequels degenerated into all star messes though.)

Then when Christopher Nolan cast Christian Bale as the Dark Knight, part of a trilogy, things changed for filmic super heroes (including Marvel) that resonates to this day.

Local Cosmic Comix celebrated with some nice freebies today.
So happy 80th anniversery on Batman Day.

2019 MidAtlantic Nostalgia Convention

The 2019 MidAtlantic Nostalgia Convention is in the books and was fun for returning fans and new ones!  Martin Grams and his hard working team have done it again.

There were James Bond female stars Britt Ekland and Maud Adams, Tv stars Loni Anderson and Loretta Swit, West Side Story actors George Chakiris and Russ Tamblyn, Film stars Nancy Kwan and Tatum O'Neal, and several others.

Film star Tom Berenger came last minute and was a terrific guest.

Karolyn Grimes who played Zuzu in It's a Wonderful Life signed ornaments. What a treat.

Despite some last minute cancellations hopefully rescheduled for next year, the rest of us had a very nice time. It was also cool to see rhe celebrities interact with each other as mutual fans. The vendors had memorabilia of all kinds. There were seminars with the guests and films all day. It is a community experience with memories and fandom uniting us. Next year promises to be bigger and better.

Lynley Was Child Star Grown Up

 Actress Carol Lynley passed away suddenly at 77. She was a well known star of movies.and guest TV shows in the 1960s and 1970s. Many will remember her in the disaster movie blockbuster The Poseídon Adventure. She was one of the first guests I met at a film convention. Nice person with no pretense.

Living ‘The Boss’ in BLINDED BY THE LIGHT

Based on a true story, Blinded by the Light is an uplifting, emotional journey of identity and self-discovery as directed by Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham). This is one of several musical themed dramas highlighted by classic pop artists’ music (Yesterday, Bohemian Rhapsody).

Set in 1980s England, teenager Javed (Viveik Kalra) and his Pakistani family live in a small town and face bigotry and economic hardships.  Javed yearns for a life beyond his small town, and when a schoolmate introduces him to the songs of Bruce Springsteen, his life is transformed. His hope of going to college to be a writer and find his own happiness is stifled by his strict, overbearing father. Springsteen’s music and words speak to and inspire him, and, encouraged and challenged by his English teacher, Miss Park (Hayley Atwell), Javed’s passion for writing and expressing his inner voice leads to opportunities and even love.  As his father objects to his desires, it threatens to tear the family apart.

The film garners well-earned heart and goodwill. It never strays far from the concept of the importance of family and the challenges and pains of struggling for a life in a foreign land.  It is also an interesting look into aspects of Pakistani youth and culture in England at the time.  The core conflict is a clash between old, traditional, homeland values and the newer, progressive, youthful independence.  The mostly unknown cast is uniformly excellent, and Atwell registers in support. 1980s hairstyles and clothes are in full, period display.

The film, with its strong, emotional finish, is a testament to following your dreams while holding onto family values. Of course, there’s a healthy dose of The Boss’ songs sprinkled throughout. A winning film.

***1/2 of **** stars (for Springsteen fans)