This weekend, the worldwide phenomenon “Downton Abbey” graces the big screen with its breathtaking romance, tantalizing pageantry — and never-ending intrigue! Catch all the nostalgia as the aristocratic Crawleys and their intrepid servants prepare for a royal visit.
Also making a big splash this weekend is the sci-fi thriller “Ad Astra,” starring Brad Pitt as an astronaut who may very well be the last hope for Earth’s survival.
Finally, “Rambo” fans can check out the last chapter of the franchise in which Sylvester Stallone reprises his iconic role of a war hero.
Here’s what to see and what to skip this weekend:
Movies Out This Weekend
“Downton Abbey” — Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, Matthew Goode; directed by Michael Engler
The titular grand manor from the worldwide phenomenon British soap is back! Once again, experience its romance, pageantry and intrigue, as the aristocratic upstairs Crawley family and their undaunted downstairs servants prepare for the arrival of the most illustrious guests they could ever hope to entertain.
Set in 1927, the film opens with a grand five-minute sequence that is essentially all music, highlighting the journey of a mysterious mail from London to Yorkshire. Moments later, Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville), and his American wife, Lady Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), receive the letter informing them that their Majesties King George V (Simon Jones) and Queen Mary (Geraldine James) are coming to Downton.
It’s only a matter of time before everyone gets into a tizzy. The Crawleys’ eldest daughter, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), is concerned that the head butler, Thomas Barrow (Rob James-Collier), may not be experienced enough for the big task, so she convinces his predecessor, the retired Mr. Carson (Jim Carter) to return to the house.
Meanwhile, everyone is hoping that Mary’s brother-in-law, Irish republican Tom Branson (Allen Leech), will set his politics aside during the royal visit. As for her grandmama Violet, the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith) is perplexed that the Queen is bringing along lady-in-waiting Maud Bagshaw (Imelda Staunton). Why? Apparently, Violet and Maud have a long-standing score to settle.
And as if there’s not enough drama already upstairs! The rumpus continues downstairs when the servants learn that the royal household from Buckingham Palace will take over their roles during the royals’ visit at the manor.
After everything is said and done, will everybody be happy in the end?
See it. Simply put, what a dazzling and delightful movie! Don’t be surprised if, suddenly, you feel like saying “Encore! Encore! Encore!” as the end credits roll. Tip: No prior knowledge of the TV series is required to see the movie.
Watch the trailer:
“Ad Astra” — Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones; directed by James Gray
In James Gray’s sci-fi thriller, “Ad Astra” (latin for “to the stars”), Earth’s survival hangs in the balance as mysterious surges of energy from deep space around Neptune have become increasingly lethal and harmful day after day. And there’s only one man who can stop the looming threat. His name is Major Roy McBride (Brad Pitt), a 32-year-old astronaut who boasts a constant heart rate of 80 beats per minute even when he is free-falling from the sky.
No wonder, he is the perfect man for the job — but that’s not all! U.S. intelligence now believes that Roy’s father, Clifford McBride (Tommy Lee Jones), a legendary astronaut who has been missing for 16 years and presumed dead, is alive! But, in the process, he has gone rogue wreaking havoc in outer space after his last mission went awry.
Conflicted and puzzled — but determined — Roy follows his orders and begins his long journey in search of his long-lost dad to convince him to stop the surges.
Can Roy win his dad over?
See it. Pitt’s outstanding performance, Gray’s skilled direction, the film’s exquisite musical score and its gorgeous cinematography will win you over, despite a shaky plot.
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Watch the trailer:
“Rambo: Last Blood” — Sylvester Stallone, Yvette Monreal; directed by Adrian Grunberg
Sylvester Stallone returns to his iconic role of John Rambo, a war hero who is skilled in weaponry, hand-to-hand combat, survival tactics and Guerrilla warfare.
Picking up ten years after the events of 2008’s “Rambo,” the saga continues with the war veteran enjoying his peace and quiet on his family’s ranch in Arizona. There, he shares his happy life with his adoptive family: his longtime housekeeper Maria (Adriana Barraza) and his teenage niece Gabrielle (Yvette Monreal).
One day, when Gabrielle decides to find her long-lost biological dad in Mexico, he warns her against it. But the young girl doesn’t heed Rambo’s advice. Defiant and determined, she leaves Arizona and travels to Mexico. Within 24 hours, the teenager will go missing, setting in motion a series of events that will force Rambo out of retirement.
Will Rambo ultimately find Gabrielle and save her from danger?
Skip it. The final chapter of the “Rambo” saga feels bland.
Watch the trailer:
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