Everyone is entitled to their opinion, of course. Personally I hate some movies that other people gush about, and vice versa. As regards The Godfather, however, I have to say I think it's an amazing trilogy. The third part is weaker than the first two, imo, but the quality of the writing, acting, direction etc. across the three films is simply too good to dismiss. I'll be curious to see how many people agree with you!
I agree with Luluk. The Godfather Trilogy is film-making of the highest quality, particularly parts I & II. Brando was the king in part I and De Niro was in part II, but all the cast were in their prime with the exception of Duvall and Pacino who almost equalled Brando and De Niro in my opinion.
"On every street in every city, there's a nobody who dreams of being a somebody..."
well this is a tricky one . The Godfather is the best trilogy around. Yes part 3 is weak but it still has lots to recommend it ,Gordon Wilis camera work for instance ,Al Pacino as an older wiser Michael, It seems de riguer to kick Coppola in the pants and then run but remember as John Milus pointed out Coppola was the 1st to breach The walled City that Hollywood was in the late 60s early 70s withiout his vision we would not have many key films of the period. The Godfather films are a testamnet to such an exciting period .
The Godfather films are the greatest Gangster films ever made and will probably be so for all time, and 1 and 2 are in my top ten films of all time.
I think Al Pacino gives his best performance to date and probably one of the best acting performance's of all time. The whole cast where amazing, the Atmosphere of the time and era were captured perfectly, i cannot believe Too long, not interesting enough and far too wordy are being used to describe this amazing trilogy, i think rogershoes should take a long walk of a short plank.
GF2 is awesome-both a sequel and prequel with vito's story in new wave european style contrasted with michael's descent into hell. michael's silent scream in GF3 makes that film.
'just when i though i was out, they drag me back in!'
There are some decent gangster films around, some rightly in a lot of peoples top ten lists. But I have to say though, the godfather films stand out alone. As far as gangster films go, the style and class of these films will never be matched or replicated. This is due to the scipt and the way the films are shot, and also to the quality of acting talent on screen. Brando, Pacino, De Niro et al, you will not get better.
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You are a brave man! Just keep checking under the duvet for any equine additions! Only joking! Sorry, but in my opinion the Godfather esp the first two films are cinema at its most magnificent and compelling. An epic of extraordinary storytelling, wonderful acting esp Al Pacino, incredible soundtrack, cinematography, directing. They are what movie making at its finest should be. I honestly can't think of a single good reason to ever call these films overated!
I have only seen the first two, and frankly I was bored silly. Yes, it's well shot, the music is haunting, it's well acted, etc... but I was bored.
It's typical of the school of filmmaking where plenty of ponderous "not much happening" is interperated as "deep and meaningful" Not that I'm a fan of reduculous action movies with explosions for no reason, but I did want more action than that.
I think the first film is a bit overwatched to be fresh to many people but it is still a classic. However.....(contentious points coming...)
I think Al Pacino's acting is over-rated, particularly in how he relates to his wife (Diane Keaton). That is, there is zero chemistry between them, to the degree I can't see why either of them would have put up with each other (given the problems it obviously creates for them both). They certainly don't seem to be 'in love' at any point.
I also think that Part 2 is relentlessly depressing and it's thin duel plot-lines are dragged out terribly (and only saved by cross-cutting).
Part 3 looks more like they were trying to do a sequel to Batman, as it is full of unbelievable settings and cliched mafia talk.
Originally posted by antonyD: its not just a mob film but examination of italian american integration into the american dream and maybe the loss of old sicilian ways along the way.
Exactly. It's more of a ponderous melodrama than a thrilling movie. Stogy, slow, and boring. You have to be in the right mood for it at least.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Rory Hughes: I think Al Pacino's acting is over-rated, particularly in how he relates to his wife (Diane Keaton). That is, there is zero chemistry between them, to the degree I can't see why either of them would have put up with each other (given the problems it obviously creates for them both).QUOTE]
I have to disagree with you there, although I respect what you say and I'm not trying to say my opinion is right and yours is wrong. Pacino and Keaton were an item during this film and I think the chemistry is just right considering the circumstances they're in. When we first see Michael and Kay at the wedding, they seem to be very happy and very much in love, but they're relationship does deteriorate as Michael becomes more involved with the family business. And Pacino's acting is perfect, I don't think even De Niro could have played the part any better. As I said before I respect your opinion and this is just mine
"On every street in every city, there's a nobody who dreams of being a somebody..."
I cant say much more to what has been said already but I do think that the Godfather trilogy is amazing but as many people think the third film was a bit poor compared to the other two however the ending is one of the simplest yet most powerfull endings I have ever seen.
The ending of part three after you see al pachinos daughter get shot is just him sitting in some deserted itallian courtyard somwhere as an old man in silence untill he just drops dead and that just says to me that he has had the rest of his life to regret and feel guilty for his daughters death. The fact that francis ford coppola can get such a powerfull message over from such a simple scene is why the Godfather films in my opinion will never be over-rated!
"A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man"
"Embiggens, phfft that isn't even a word"
"Of course it is Lisa, it's a perfectly crumulent word"
About all I remember of it was the family sitting around listening wistfully to the theme music from the first two films as if this had some particular significance to them! Perhaps I missed it, but I can't remember them all going around humming it in the earlier films.
It made it look rather like they were all sadly remembering when Coppola could make half decent films!
Originally I said it was overrated. I should elborate. Everyone I have spoken to on and offline say that its the best film ever etc. They should say its the best film ever...if you like ponderous, seemingly never ending dialogue and extemly brief scenes of violence. Oh, and some lovely sets and scenery.
I love Coppola's Bram Stoker's Dracula, Apocalypse Now and Peggy Sue Got Married.
But yeah, I find his Godfather Trilogy dull and uninteresting. I don't think I know many friends that would bother sitting through any of the Godfather movies. But I think the rule is that you have to pretend to like it even if when you get home you stick Con Air or Armageddon on your DVD player.
So, yes The Godfather is the most overrated movie series ever.
Only joking! 
