The release of the third part of the Godfather saga in 1990 is one of the most critically controversial films in history. The sixteen years that followed were confirmed by director Francis Ford Coppola to be a closure, albeit an ambiguous one, to the original two films was one that did not ... Read review
In the final instalment of the Godfather Trilogy, an aging Don Michael Corleone seeks to ... more
legitimise his crime family's interests and remove himself from the violent underworld. Now in his sixties, Michael is dominated by two passions: freeing his famil...
Production Year: 1998 - Drama - Director: Martin Brest - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Marcia Gay Harden, Jake Weber, Claire Forlani, Jeffrey Tambor
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Advantages: Strong, inspired acting by main protagonists; intricate, complex story; refreshing edge to the trilogy Disadvantages: Clumsy and cartoonish; pretentious and overly operatic; unsubtle; in the shadow of its predecessors; too self-conscious; underrated and smeared by critics
The release of the third part of the Godfather saga in 1990 is one of the most critically controversial films in history. The sixteen years that followed were confirmed by director Francis Ford Coppola to be a closure, albeit an ambiguous one, to the original two films was one that did not promise, nor was expected to promise a conclusion to the story of the Corleone family. When it finally came to cinemas, not only was it widely loathed, but everything ... ...was essentially a spin-off of the Oscar-acclaimed classics, and ever since, the Godfather: Part III has had its reputation tarnished. However, over the additional sixteen years following, opinion towards it has meallowed, though the insult it hurled at its audience will not be forgotten. But for all the smearing of a flawed film, it is unfair to confine it to the Hall of Movie Shame, not only because it does hold merits, but it also adds a refreshing ... more
The release of the third part of the Godfather saga in 1990 is one of the most critically controversial films in history. The sixteen years that followed were confirmed by director Francis Ford Coppola to be a closure, albeit an ambiguous one, to the original two films was one that did not promise, nor was expected to promise a conclusion to the story of the Corleone family. When it finally came to cinemas, not only was it widely loathed, but everything about it pointed to a desperate gamble to make money. It seemed that it was essentially a spin-off of the Oscar-acclaimed classics, and ever since, the Godfather: Part III has had its reputation tarnished. However, over the additional sixteen years following, opinion towards it has meallowed, though the insult it hurled at its audience will not be forgotten. But for all the smearing of a flawed film, it is unfair to confine it to the Hall of Movie Shame, not only because it does hold merits, but it also adds a refreshing new edge to the franchise.
It has been twenty years since Don Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) has slipped into the abyss of corruption and cruelty. He is an old man now, clinging on to old-fashioned principles in a developing modern world, altogether different from the 1950s. Buried beneath his formidable facade are dark, sinister secrets that few know, and he has moved on since the harrowing final shot of Part II. His children, Anthony (Franc D'Ambrosio) and Mary (Sofia Coppola), are now adults, and he only occasionally sees them. Slowly over the years he has worked towards legitmacy in his business, achieving honours from the Church. This reunites the family for the ceremony, including Michael's ex-wife Kay (Diane Keaton), his younger sister, Connie (Talia Shire), as well as his brother's illegitemate son, Vincent (Andy Garcia). The family is but a shadow of what it once was at its peak, but Michael's firm family principles inherited from his father still stand. However, he soon connects his business to the Vatican Bank, an organisation corrupted by the influence of the Mafia, and as a result, Michael's striving for redemption is disrupted as he once again becomes caught up in a web of deceit, betrayal, and death, potentially theatening the well-being of his family more than ever. The strengths of the Godfather: Part III lie mainly in the story, refreshingly restructured by the author of the acclaimed source novel, Mario Puzo. It's tighter than the originals, basing itself equally on the criminal intrigue as the family. Indeed, the redemption of Michael Corleone develops his character further into an even more complex figure, bringing the viewer far closer to him. More than anything, it is a film that focuses on decay.
But the film is the black sheep out of Francis Ford Coppola's trilogy. It lacks the subtlety and ambiguity of the originals, choosing to shamelessly shove it in the viewer's face, especially in some particularly cartoonish and clumsy action sequences. Many of the minor characters are badly developed and come simply across as caracatures. Indeed, a young Sofia Coppola as Michael's beloved daughter, has attracted a lot of criticism due to her rather flat, bland acting. In some ways it parodies the originals; there was a vague theatrical, operatic, romantic quality to them; in Part III this is heightened to what is sometimes a ridiculous level. It makes several all-too unsubtle references to its predecessors, and unfortunately is corrupted by a certain cheapness in its hastily assembled supporting characters and its helpless determination to live up to the trilogy's glory days. Not only this, but the cartoonish element produces some hideously contrived moments that only dig the film deeper into the hole. For what is a good idea to complete the saga, Part III is sadly poorly executed, leaving a sour taste in the viewer's mouth.
For what seems like a dead concept, the film, despite these heavy, prominent flaws, is saved by some gems. The acting from the more complex characters builds up to what is a wholly appropriate and shattering emotional climax. Al Pacino excels in his resurrection of Michael, a man wisened by the years, one who clings onto a dead dream by his fingernails. We still see many characteristics of the young Michael in the role, but on the other hand, he has matured and meallowed into someone very different. His steely reserve has loosened, his enigmatic past has faded, yet Pacino makes sure he is the same man; brooding and haunted, something particularly expressed in his eyes. Pacino is not alone, however, in his brilliance; Andy Garcia as his heir is reckless and fiery, wry and brutal, much like James Caan's Sonny, but tinges Vicent with a sensitivity and naivety. Similarly, Diane Keaton acquaintes the viewer once again with the soft-hearted but stubborn Kay, her relationship with Michael more intriguing than many elements of the film in its retreading of old ground. More acting weight comes from the way of Talia Shire, Eli Wallach and Joe Mantegna, though the latter two are landed in unfortunate, but well-acted roles. The performances of the main protagonists, it must be added, save the role of Mary Corleone; their relationships with her are what build affection for her character, rather than Coppola's acting, proving the quality of the film's heavyweights.
The actual criminal element is quite possibly the most impressively constructed and most complex out of the trilogy. Rather than having a relatively linear, but masterful execution crime story akin to the originals, Part III routes for a more complex plot, at the expense of the same masterful execution. It successfully portrays the developing Italian-American underworld, against the backdrops of New York, Rome and Sicily, but stumbles in its articulation of it. The story is often quite difficult to follow due to its intricacy, though this could in part be down to the real contexts it is based on. Indeed, this makes Part III a far more politically poignant piece, its audacity in its emphasis on the corruption in the Church further adding to its box office demise. It sheds the vaguely distant criminality in the originals, which was focused far more on a way of life and family rather than contemporary affairs, and relates more to politics and the sort of stuff that appears in the newspapers. Nor does it hesitate to use dirty words such as "mafia" that the originals avoided, demonstrating further how there is very little subtlety. Nonetheless, the modern, politically aware concept is original and fresh, generally working very well.
Although the film has its merits, much of the magic from the originals is gone. While some of the veterans may still be there, including Nino Rota's classic score and Mario Puzo's skill as a storyteller, it proves itself to be sadly far less inspirational than the beautiful classics. Coppola's direction, though it has some impressive moments (especially in the editing), is unsubtle, and pretentiously throws in some very obvious symbolism (cue the oranges). Part III is a complete double-edged sword; where it tries to re-invent itself, it often fails, but where it tries to retain qualities from the originals, it also often fails. There is such an awareness of the first two, that Part III becomes dragged down by its past. As a standalone film it works much better (though still flawed) and would have been far more successful, but the lasting influence of the originals lives on in its audience.
Whilst certainly underrated and misunderstood, the Godfather: Part III is a film with good intentions and many redeeming features, but is scarred by its reception and its past. It provides a hard-hitting conclusion to the trilogy that stays with the more optimistic viewers, but its clumsiness, reputation and fading beauty pulses through it like a disease.
Advantages: Pacino and Keaton are still brilliant. It's impossible for this to be awful Disadvantages: So disappointing in comparison to the first 2.
...disappointment. Made two decades after the second part it is an embarrassment in comparison to the power and meaning of its predecessors. Coppola was a cocky young director full of ambition and drive when the first 2 were made. With this film, just as with Michael Corleone he has become middle-aged, flabby and filled with a constant nostalgia without regard to the present.
As with the first 2 Part 3 begins with a religious ceremony, as Michael (Al ... ...us in with developments within the family. The film is set in 1979, as Michael has seemingly legitimised the family and sold off his New York 'business'. His interest is now in reconciling his family. (His real one that is, not 'The Family') His ex-wife, Kaye (Diane Keaton) has remarried and has kept his children away from him up to now. His son is following Michael's desire for him to be a lawyer, but desires to be an opera singer. Mary, his daughter ...
litebite 25.10.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Godfather Part 3 (DVD)
Advantages: Pacino, the grandeur Disadvantages: Sofia Coppola, the retreaded theme
...ropy affairs - you get the awesome first in the class, then, buoyed by the huge audience and dollar signs, the makers set out to exploit the brand and follow up with a lacklustre second episode which somehow never captures the same magic quality that set its predecessor apart from the crowd. Go on, try and think of a half way decent follow up - I can think of a few, Aliens for definite, Batman Returns at a push and Jaws 2 in some respects, Godfather ... ...sequels, stuff like Jurassic Park: The Lost World, Damien: The Omen 2, Hannibal, Exorcist II: The Heretic, Predator 2, The Mummy Returns, Free Willy 2 (except the original was no better) and 102 Dalmatians.
Well, if sequels are a pretty unimpressive bunch as a whole, the point goes doubly for episode three - the original plot has been milked completely dry, the characterisations are dull and lifeless and the interest has gone - take, for example, ...
dave27 05.10.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Godfather Part 3 (DVD)
Advantages: good acting, well shot, intriguing Disadvantages: Sofia Coppola, not as involving as previous installments
Of course some of the best things comes in three’s and this can apply to the Godfather trilogy of films. After proving that a sequel could be better than it’s original it was many years before cameras started to role on the third instalment in 1990. It’s 1979 and we join the Corleone family who are now based in New York, still at the head of the family is Michael (Al Pacino) but now their business dealings are going on the straight and narrow. They’ve ... ...part of the Vatican church’s business dealings. But the threat of trouble from other families is still there no matter where Michael turn’s. He says it best himself “Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in!” Part three is the weakest of the series but that’s not to say it is at all bad. Compared to most it’s a masterpiece but of course its predecessors are of the highest cinematic quality. The main weakness in this film is that it misses ...
utero 18.11.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Godfather Part 3 (DVD)
Advantages: Great to revisit the era and stuff Disadvantages: Sofia?
...can see how they shaped the modern gangster type film like ‘Goodfellas’ and its hybrid ‘The Sopranos’. But I never did find film three, the one everyone thinks is the worst of the infamous trilogy.
So im walking through the market the other day, the occasional snowflake wandering around like a summer fly, when I spot this very movie on widescreen for a quid!.
Just as you don’t get the variety of snow that settles in the East Midlands you rarely ... ...Lizzy Workout’. And today on the very same rack, ‘Magnolia’ for the same price!. I’m laughing I tell ya im laughing. Oh and if there are any South Park fans in Northampton there’s ten different ones for a pound each to!.
I very rarely review films that have been on telly in keeping with dooyoos mandate of keeping stuff fresh and relevant. Although the way the crowns are going to every department but these days I suspect this one will end up on some ...
talktothehand 29.02.2004 (05.03.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Godfather Part 3 (DVD)
Advantages: Effectively completes the saga Disadvantages: Simply cannot live up to its predecessors
...were all going crazy over the Godfather films. I wasn't so enthusiastic about them, becuase I am part Italian, and the whole mafia matter is really a blemish against out 'good name'. I watched both the first and second film with mild interest, but over a period of a few days - breaking the plot up and ruining them for me. I told my friends the films were great, but inwardly, I could not see what all the fuss was about. A while later, when I matured ... ...and i decided to read the Godfather. Next to Lord of the Rings, it was the best book I ever read. It took me just a week to read. A pure calssic in every sense of the word, but alas......that must be left for another review!!
After the book, I just had to watch the first film again, and somehow, this time I found it to be absoloutly brilliant. Perhaps because I had a better isnight to the plot? Perhaps because I put more effort into watching it? ...
loucaides 23.10.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Godfather Part 3 (DVD)
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Advantages: Two of three films are bonafide masterpieces. 21 hours of stuff. Disadvantages: Not as pristine a collection as it could have been.
on the project at least some improvement would have been possible. DVD enthusiasts have waited a few years for The Godfather to be released and we expect film masterpieces to be given the full red carpet treatment.
Extra Features:
The Bonus Disc contains several sections including: Behind the Scenes; Additional Scenes/Chronology ; The Family Tree; Photo Galleries; Theatrical Trailers; Acclaim and Response; and Filmmaker Biographies.
The longest piece found on 'the Bonus' or Extras disc is in the Behind the Scenes section. It is there you will find: The Godfather Family: A Look Inside," it is a documentary originally created to be part of the video and pay-t.v. release of The GodfatherPart3 in 1991. Almost half of the nearly 73 and a half minute documentary deals with the making of Part3. A few minutes of newer interview ...
In the third film of Francis Ford Coppola's Corleone family saga, 20 years have passed and Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) is in failing health and haunted by remorse over his brother Fredo's murder. As part of his plan for legitimising the family business, Michael contributes a large donation to the church and accepts an honour from the pope. His nephew, Vincent (Andy Garcia), becomes his protege with the help of Connie (Talia Shire) while his own children, Anthony (Franc D'Ambrosio) and Mary (Sofia Coppola), remain free from a life of crime. After selling his casinos and laundering his money through the Vatican, Michael attempts to take over a European-owned company, International Immobiliare. However, former mob colleagues Don Altobello (Eli Wallach) and Joey Zasa (Joe Mantegna) force his return to the underworld, and Vincent's brash temper almost starts a mob war. In Sicily, Michael instructs Vincent to form an alliance with his enemy, Don Altobello. Many of the same cast from Coppola's first two films are back in this powerful sequel. New to the series is George Hamilton, surprisingly effective as Michael's financial advisor, B. J. Harrison. An intense, gripping and epic finale to a universally acclaimed classic series of movies.
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