'Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale' doesn't just turn a page, it closes the book

The spirit of "Downton Abbey" returns for one final bow in a film that will provide fans a sense of closure even better than the series finale.

The theme of changing times was always a key plot point for "Downton Abbey" during its TV run. "Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale" leans even more heavily into it.

Whether servants or lords, one generation must move on and have faith that the next generation learned from them well enough to take over. Cooks, butlers, lords, business owners, county fair committees — no one can hide from the changing times.

It is 1930, and a new age is on the Yorkshire horizon. Society has evolved (whether or not some people like it). Whereas the first "Downton Abbey" film had the Crawley family excited over a royal visit, this third film sees the visit of a celebrated playwright and an actor.

While the Crawleys were previously uncomfortable hosting a jazz band or having a former theater performer as a butler, things have changed. In fact, the presence of these "modern" entertainers is prompting a similar buzz around the county.

RELATED: It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s not like other ‘Superman’ films

It's positive buzz that the family could use as they face multiple challenges to their social standing and financial security. American uncle Harold has arrived with some tense news. A mysterious character lurks about with an unclear interest in the family. Some surprise news may have other aristocrats shunning the Crawleys from polite society. And the future of the Downton Abbey estate is, once again, uncertain. Can the Crawleys overcome these challenges amid family squabbling?

One obstacle to the Downton franchise is the challenge of making a movie based on a TV show. TV shows can balance multiple storylines and characters over the span of a season. Condensing this into a two-hour movie is not always successful (just ask "Star Trek" fans).

"Downton Abbey" has struggled to make this conversion over its two previous films, packing fresh storylines with class friction, aristocratic etiquette, and social scandal, while trying to leave enough room for ribbing remarks and British wit.

This third film, however, pulls it off splendidly. Fans will not be disappointed.

"Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale" repeatedly reminds us that all chapters must close for a new one to begin.

But this film is actually less about turning a page than it is closing the book on "Downton Abbey." Its characters are popping up one last time to say, "It's been a pleasure. This is where we are going. It's all OK."

“Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale"

4/5 stars

Screen or stream? Screen. If you're going to watch "Downton Abbey" you are likely a fan and therefore will benefit greatly by the experience of watching this next to others wearing top hats and opera gloves.

Rated PG: I'm having trouble thinking of anything that warrants giving this movie anything beyond a G rating.

Good for kids?: I mean, sure, if you're raising a little nerd who is interested in pre-WWII British high society. Otherwise, kids will likely be bored.

RELATED: With 'Karate Kid: Legends,' this film franchise keeps on kicking