The Godfather: Part II

The daring of Part II is that it enlarges the scope and deepens the meaning of the first film. Visually, Part II is far more completely beautiful than the fist, just as it's thematically richer, more shadowed, fuller.

If the first film could be considered to glorify violence and organized crime, this one shows the consequences of that life. It also serves as a thinly veiled metaphor for American capitalism and its destructive effect on family, cultural heritage, community identity and morality.

It is even better than the first film, and has the greatest single final scene in Hollywood history, a real coup de cinéma.

Cinematographer Willis superbly captures the turn-of-the-century period, applying a seriographic tint to flashback scenes for a softer, richer look than the sharp image of the ongoing contemporary story.

And with supporting roles from the likes of Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall and Lee Strasberg, to say nothing of Roger Corman and Harry Dean Stanton in bit parts, this is nothing short of magisterial.

Al Pacino again is outstanding as Michael Corleone, successor to crime family leadership.

The only remarkable thing about Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather, Part II is the insistent manner in which it recalls how much better his original film was...Even if Part II were a lot more cohesive, revealing, and exciting than it is, it probably would have run the risk of appearing to be the self-parody it now seems.

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

I have mixed thoughts of Part 2. It plays both prequel and the sequel and I don't think it works. I like part 3 better because it much more of a sequel. Part 2 is good but not great.

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

An exhausting endurance test that proved even a cinematic giant can feel like a chore through a sleepy haze.120103 (1.0)I watched "The Godfather Part II" in 120103, and unlike the impact of the first film, this one was an uphill battle. Perhaps it was the weight of the marathon or my state of mind, but I struggled immensely to stay awake through its slow, deliberate pacing. Even though it's hailed as a masterpiece, for me, the experience was defined more by the fight against drowsiness than by the narrative, leaving it at a cold 1.0.