Wednesday Movie Night: The Godfather Part III (1990)

The Godfather III may be the Godfather movie that many fans want to forget was made especially after the dramatic, but quiet ending of the previous movie in the series that seemed very final. It also was probably unexpected considering Francis Ford Coppola's reluctance to do another in the series. While definitely not the strongest of the three, it still at least did have some effort put into making it that still makes it a good movie. Thankfully, much of the cast is able to return, but the focus may be a little too much on the new members who give no new direction.

It's 20 years later, and that makes the year 1979. We left off in 1959. Michael is now much older and he is feeling like he needs to make up for the past crimes and murders he has committed. He's doing this by being more involved in his religion and charity, but there are still old rivals in his past coming back to haunt him. His brother, Sonny, has a son that is causing trouble, and he takes him under his wing to try to prevent him from stirring further trouble with the mafia. This may put stress on him trying to make amends with the family that now despises him for his old mafia lifestyle.


When the second movie ended I was sad because I knew it was the end of something really good, but when this one went off I was actually quite sad, maybe even sadder than before. You spend many hours with these characters so you get quite invested. The first two movies fit together very well though. They are like pieces that need each other, but the third is one that does feel very tacked on to the prior ones, and also most notably you need the first two to watch this movie. It doesn't pick up very evenly for new viewers.

Al Pacino reprises his role as Michael very well though. He doesn't seem to miss a beat though it's 20 years later. It was also a nice step to show a woman becoming more vocal in the business, his sister, Connie, begins to make a lot more comments one what she thinks should be done. You have some new additions as well, and some very obvious missing people like Robert Duvall. He wouldn't come back because he believed his check should at least be that of Al Pacino's.

Sophia Coppola isn't a bad actress, but I'm not sure she is good either. The problem is she just doesn't seem to fit the vibe of a Godfather movie. She comes off not too likable as well. She just seems very spoiled and naive. Plus, she has the most disgusting relationship of all time. The fact that Andy Garcia's Vincent, has to be tied to her in the story is what ruins his character. Garcia is a strong actor, and he fits very well a different personality you want to see trying to get into the business, but there are so many distractions taking away fro that that it also brings him down as well. He is a tough guy, and should have just been allowed to let that be his role.

The Godfather Part III is better than you think it will be as an extension of the stories, but someone should have allowed Francis Ford Coppola to title it something different as he had originally planned to do, because ultimately it isn't quite on par with the first two to completely feel like they were either. It also does drag a bit more than the first two, but has some quite twist and keeps in line with the visual strength that Coppola is known for.

Rating 7 of 10.