Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale divides fans as some brand film 'rush job'

Downton Abbey's very last outing, The Grand Finale, has finally been released and reviews have been flooding in from both fans and critics as they give their final verdict

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Downton Abbey is coming to an end with one final hurrah has fans bid farewell to the beloved series once and for all. The Grande Finale marks the end of an era as the cast reunite on screen for one last time, 15 years after first launching.

It follows the much-loved Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s where Lady Mary finds herself at the centre of a public scandal going through divorce. The family faces financial trouble and the entire household grapples with the threat of social disgrace.

The Crawleys must embrace change as the staff prepare for a new chapter with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future and off into the sunset. Downton Abbey's star studded cast hit London's Leicester Square last week for the premiere, and now fans can finally get their fill as the film hits cinemas today.

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Reviews from critics and fans have already been streaming in, with the film ranking 8/10 on IMDB and 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. Empire Magazine have given the movie three stars out of five.

Over on review site Rotten Tomatoes, critics have praised the fitting end to the beloved franchise. One said: "It's a fond and fine farewell to this lengthy endeavor, as well as a film with an endearing degree of fondness for its characters."

Another added: "Fellowes has created a final chapter worthy of this marvelous cast of unforgettable characters. Each and every one of them brings the energy - and charm - these beloved personages deserve."

Someone else commented: "As always, it is gorgeous to look at and revel in. The sumptuousness of the surroundings and the empathy for the characters bring this saga to most a satisfying conclusion."

However, one critic put out a warning to those heading to the cinema with no prior knowledge of Downton Abbey. "There is no conceivable reason why anyone unfamiliar with Downton Abbey would choose to see this film—and if they did, they would likely drift into sleep from a mix of confusion and boredom," they said.

Another review on the lower end added: "Extremely little actually happens in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale -- certainly not enough to justify a third feature. It barely even feels like a TV episode with benefits."

Someone else suggested: "Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale would have been better off being made as three or four separate television episodes. The filmic medium did not do the plot any favors, and unfortunately came across as a rush job."

Meanwhile, reviews from the audience have been coming out much stronger with many glowing five stars. They have particularly expressed praise for the ending as one said: "Well Done. Excellent, well written conclusion, probably the best way to wrap up a series like this one."

Another added: "The people, the music, and oh, that ending! Definitely stay for the credits."

Someone else commented: "Lovely production, satisfying story, excellent pacing. Thoroughly enjoyable end to this wonderful series."

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