Movie Review: the Godfather Part II

The Godfather Part II (1974, R): *** ½

Part II is of much of the same character as the wholly captivating first part. It necessarily 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!  I slightly prefer Part I over Part II, mainly because Part I is more tightly packed together and a little easier to follow. But what really makes Part II so compelling in the first place is that is never feels as the follow up to its predecessor while all the same as the build-up to its follower, a flaw that many middle films in a trilogy can acquire.  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 like I mentioned above.  But there's still a heap of a lot of even more praise to put on Part II, more praise then I can probably remember, 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, and we recognize that it’s not just a great sequel, it’s a great movie.  It’s complex and long but involving, so in other words, give Part II the attention it deserves, though for me, Part I still stands as the ultimate crime movie.  Directed by Francis Ford Coppola.