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)

The Godfather [1972]

I think it's safe to say The Godfather is a masterpiece of cinema. The film, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on a novel of Mario Puzzi, tells the story of the Corleone family and its struggles in the mafia world. It features Marlon Brando, in a role of a lifetime, and then-youngsters Al Pacino and Robert Duvall, in an almost three hours epic movie that has everything- love, action, family, betrayal, violence and more.

The first scene is memorable, as the camera slowly goes from tight to wide shot (I hope I got the terminology right), while we learn the tale of a man seeking justice at the house of Don Corleone, the Godfather, the head of a mafia family, who's daughter is getting married in that day. During the first 20-25 minutes, we are introduced to the characters and we can observe the dynamic of the relationships- the 4 sons, the spoiled girl, the guests, the employees etc.

There were so many amazing scenes, especially in the first half (the wedding, the horse head in the bed, the shooting). Two of my favorite moments in this movie were the interludes, like I like to call them: the first one was exactly after Michael left the restaurant and ran for Sicilia- the mix of the piano music with the headlines, showing us what was happening in the mafia world, and the second one, at the end- the intertwining scenes of the baptisms and the killings; both genius! Francis Ford Coppola's direction is exemplary, as he mixes the traditional with the unconventional, resorting to some odd shots that showcase some particular moment in a better way.

The acting, and therefore, the casting, were perfect. I thought the attitude of the mobsters was right on point- not too much or too little; it was believable. The two standouts are, of course, Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, as father and son, but I was also pleasantly surprised by Robert Duvall and James Caan (I didn't even remembered they were in it, shame on me).

Although it is a very well told story and has interesting characters, I thought the script and the storyline were the weak link for this movie. There were some small plot holes along the way: Kay surrendering so easy to Michael after he comes back, and his rather quickly succession to the "throne" of the family, especially when it comes to his character- he changed significantly, in a very sudden way, and I was a little taken back by it. Plus, the length of the film allowed many things to happen, maybe a little too much in my opinion.

But those were minor things that did not interfere with my general thought on it. "The Godfather" is truly spectacular and as it has the title of a classic, you should see it!

(P.S. Don't worry, I saw the trilogy almost ten years ago, but I forgot almost everything about it, so I decided to revisit it now. Part II post coming soon)