Without a doubt, the Godfather Trilogy has become one of the most satisfactory movie franchises of all time. We can ask why that is. The answer is that they are just so well done, with massive attention to detail. The result are masterpieces, films that are immensely satisfying, and will be remembered and treasured forever. In essence, they, or at least the first film, set grounds for other movies that have yet to be broken.
The Godfather: ****
If there was one Hollywood movie that got everything right, then it was the Godfather, which is so exceptional in all the ingredients that make a good film: direction, acting, cinematography, music/sound, production value and effort. Francis Ford Coppola, arguably the best director working in Hollywood today, helms this pure American masterpiece. Perhaps what's best about the movie is that focuses so intensely on it's principal character, Michael Corleone, all while keeping equal attention to the all of the supporting characters, and shows so effortlessly how he turns from the youngest son who looks forward to a life outside of the 'family buisness' at the beginning of the film, to becoming a mobster leader more ruthless then his father. That's probably the strongest point made in this epic saga of rivaling mob families, family divisions, trials, and tragedy. The Godfather became and remains as the ultimate crime movie, and one against which all movies, not just those of the crime genre, can be compared to. It's an offer that you can't refuse. Quick Note: this was followed by two sequels in 1974 and 1990 respectively. Both are very well-made motion pictures, but didn't quite surpass the original.
The Godfather Part II: *** ½
Part II is of much of the same character as the wholly captivating first part. It neccessarily serves as a prequel and a sequel to the first pic, continuing the tragic saga while explaining to us how the Corleone family came about in the first place! But what really makes Part II so compelling is that is never feels as the follow up to it's predecessor while all the same as the build-up to it's follower. That can greatly contribute to the fact that the Godfather Part II is one of the most admirable sequels ever made, currently standing as one of two sequels to earn the Best Picture award at the Oscars (the other being the Lord of the Rings, the Return of the King). Some scenes tend to be drawn out, extending the overall running length to about 200 minutes, also meaning that Part II isn't as tightly put together as Part I is. But there's still a heap of a lot of even more praise to put on Part II, including the fact that it holds some of the finest acting in film history. It's a masterful film, one that can dwell insanely upon you. Give Part II the attention it deserves, though for me, Part I still stands as the ultimate crime movie.
The Godfather Part III: ***
The Godfather Part III is a different story then the first two parts. It's not as compelling or emotionally arresting as either predecessor, but there are still noteworthy points for it. For one, it's an approximately 165 minute motion picture, and just like it's two predecessors, Part III is evenly paced for such a lengthy movie. Secondly, Coppola's brilliance as a filmmaker never fails here. In the real development of this movie, Coppola was rushed into writing the script, filming and editing the movie in less then a year for a release date of Christmas Day, 1990. On camera, he never feels rushed, filming the story with such eloquancy like we would expect. Take the climatic 30 minutes for an example. A riveting opera sequence is interspaced with a series of murders and killings. You will have to watch it to understand it. This is the work of filmmaking at it's best. Then though, there are the moments that seem like rehashes of either installments. As usual, there's a family gathering to put the characters and the plot inplace. Following this, a war erupts between rival mobster clans. Family tensions highten. It's all too familiar. In essence, Part III really couldn't have been better or even as good as Part I or Part II. But it's still fully worth the watch at anytime. Because like I said, there are moments of pure brilliance that even echo back to the good ole times of Part I and Part II.
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