It was trying too hard for laughs between Maggie and Lady Crawley. Barrows storming out in a huff from Lord Grantham and the king letting Edith's husband out of service because Edith is expecting was completely out of character. The scenes regarding tricking the royal staff, who were exaggerated, was farcical. The French chef was an embarrassing caricature.
It felt like Fellowes kind of cheapened it with Hollywood silliness. And the obligatory gay crap was unnecessary.
Exactly! I felt the same way. I was looking forward to the movie but was disappointed by it for the reasons you state.