The Godfather II [1974]

I got many positive comments on my last post about the second installment, all urging me to see it, so I guess it's safe to say I had high expectations going into "The Godfather II". It didn't meet them, but it was still a damn good movie.

First thing I noticed was that it had a 3 hour 22 minutes running time (that's a bit too much, isn't it?). Second thing: when Al Pacino showed up on the screen, I said to myself "hmm... he looks younger in this movie, that's weird".

Moving on to the actual film, the script, written again by Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola, takes us through the past and the present of the Corleone family, by mixing young Vito's story (early 1900s) with the evolution of Michael in the 1950s- intrigue, in the present, rise of the king, in the past. The script still bothered me, this time by sometimes making too sudden transitions from 1900s to 1950s or not properly explaining the situation or at least showing the year they were in- that was tricky for me when it came to the kids, as they go back and forth between some years in young Vito's life and I don't know which kid is who....I think. See, still confused!

Although it didn't have as many great moments as the first one, my favorite ones of the second  installment were the following scene (when young Vito decides to resolve the local thug situation and goes after him, following his route home from the roof) and the Kay & Michael hotel part, where she finally confronts him. 

As for the characters, there were a lot of new additions to this one and it was hard to follow at times. The returning cast (Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton) was very good, but I thought the actors blended in too much and lost some of their magic and conviction- the only ones that stood out were Talia Shire and John Cazale (Connie and Fredo).

Interestingly enough, in my opinion, the flashbacks were much appealing in every way (cinematography, acting, music etc) than the curent situation, and I was floored by Robert de Niro's performance and appeareance in this movie (*insert girlie comment here: he looks hot and he reminds me of Ryan Gosling somehow. end of comment*). Acting wise and more, if there was a De Niro- Pacino match for Godfather II, the first would win hands down, just for his scary coolness, imense talent and undeniable charisma. Yes, Al Pacino, has that, too, but Robert exceeds it; I was surprised, but not shocked, to learn that he won an Oscar for his portrayal of young Vito Corleone.

All in all, I can't really say too much about it; I still think the first part of the trilogy was better, but part II rose to the ocassion and offered a great show, as well.

Should I watch part III? I probably will, just to know how the story ends and see what happens with Tom Hagen and Connie (my favorite characters)

Easy going Saturday: 2 in 1 edition!

Since it's Saturday, a day in which we all should just relax, I decided to recommend two movies, two sweet Romantic Comedies, from different eras, with totally different actors and storyline, but equally charming and sweet! I always think that too much drama can wear you down, so, from time to time, I prefer these kinds of movies and you should give it a try, too! 

I saw Sabrina and Morning Glory a long time ago, but I still have some of the things I wrote down after viewing them, so here you go!

Sabrina [1954]

„It’s all in the family”

Sabrina, the 1954 version, is such a lovely film, mostly due to its beautiful scenery, the music, the direction and most of all, the actors.

There aren’t words to describe my admiration or love for Audrey Hepburn: she is the incarnation of imperfect perfection. So beautiful, elegant, graceful, sweet, but determined and displaying amazing talent every time she hits the screen, you can’t help fall in love with her. I love the fact that you can tell every emotion on her face; you can understand her and what she is feeling just by examining her posture, her manners, and the way she talks and looks away. She does that so effortlessly that I wonder if anyone can top that. Here, as Sabrina, she lights up every scene and moves you in which way she wants, playing the part of a shy, lonely girl to the T.

Humphrey Bogart is a wonderful actor and no one can say otherwise, but for me he is always so tight, so stiff. I understand, he is a real man, with posture and grace, in control of everything, but I wish I could see more of him, different reactions.  He, as well, gave a great performance and made us understand his character, but I wasn’t convinced. Maybe it was just this part...I don’t know!

As I remember other classic 50s movies I saw, I can’t help realise that it is all about the performance and the actors. In those times, you didn’t have much to go by, in terms of special effects, scenery etc, so the screenplay and the director had to relay on the actors....and in so many ways, it made the movie more interesting, at least for me, it did.

Sabrina is a beautiful movie, and I am sure the Audrey Hepburn lovers and the romantics will love it even more! Enjoy!

Morning glory [2010]

Morning Glory is a beautiful, simple, smartly written romantic comedy in which Rachel McAdams stars as a young workaholic woman who has to deal with the problems that her new job throws at her.

Simple, yet not entirely predictible, it captures the viewer by its fast pace, funny situations and loveable characters. I admired the fact that it wasn’t all about the girl who ends up with the boy, it was much more about the development of the characters, their interaction, especially the non-romantical ones (Diane Keaton and Harrison Ford are especially entertaining). 

It’s an easy choice for a late afternoon or girls night. You should give it a shot, it’s worth it!

What other romantic comedies or nice, normal, entertaining movies do you recommend? What have you seen lately?

Annie Hall [1977]

Director: Woody Allen

Writers: Woody Allen, Marshall Brickman

Stars: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton and Tony Roberts

Annie Hall is a charming story about the relationship between Annie Hall and Alvy Singer aka Woody Allen. It was an interesting movie, with a great script, funny lines and many moments of introspective thought, because that’s what he likes. The film itself is about Woody Allen, with Woody Allen, directed and written by him. Now, don’t get me wrong, he is a fascinating man and I am sure a conversation with him is something a lot of people would die for, but let’s face it, a relationship? Any woman would go mad because he is special and he makes you feel “special”, too.

After just seeing Midnight in Paris a couple of weeks ago, I can really see the fact the he matured a lot and that he thinks in a more organized, structured, objective way now, in 2011. His 1977 self was very chaotic, it feels like he had so many ideas and concepts he wanted to implemented and didn’t really knew how to put it all together in a convincing way. But it was a great try!

There were some great scenes in it that I will remember: the dialogue scene in her house, on the terrace, about photography, meeting the parents and brother(nice surprise by Christopher Walken), the walk after her first performance etc.  and some great quotes, as well: “Life is divided between the horrible and the miserable” or the final one:

“After that it got pretty late, and we both had to go, but it was great seeing Annie again. I... I realized what a terrific person she was, and.. how much fun it was just knowing her; and I... I, I thought of that old joke, y'know, the, this... this guy goes to a psychiatrist and says, "Doc, uh, my brother's crazy; he thinks he's a chicken." And, uh, the doctor says, "Well, why don't you turn him in?" The guy says, "I would, but I need the eggs." Well, I guess that's pretty much now how I feel about relationships; y'know, they're totally irrational, and crazy, and absurd, and... but, uh, I guess we keep goin' through it because, uh, most of us... need the eggs.”

Diane Keaton is wonderful in this role, it fits her to a glove and I love the scene after the tennis match, she is adorable. Woody Allen is Woody Allen and we can all expect greatness from him!

Overall, an enjoyable movie, although not entirely captivating! The end made me reconsider some points in my review!

Do you like Woody Allen movies? Which one is your favourite?