A masterpiece is every way.

Rating: 10/10 (1 July 2007)

The Godfather: Part II is my favorite movie, in addition to being, in my opinion, the greatest movie ever, even a bit better than The first Godfather. Every single imaginable element of a film is displayed at its absolute finest.
Perhaps my very favorite thing about this movie is the incredible, incredible performance by Al Pacino. Marlon Brando was excellent, but unlike Brando's, Al Pacino's character was far more complicated. He couldn't just say, "I am going to make him an offer he can't refuse" in a slick Italian voice and accomplish the role. He so masterfully and ingeniously displayed the coldness of his character. He can say so much without opening his mouth. His stare, his movement, his subtly, everything is just incredible. The supporting cast is very good as well, perhaps the worst performance being that of Talia Shire, who is still alright.
The two storyline thing is fine. It worked, and it worked well. We get enough of the early life of Vito Corleone story to know how it eventually gave rise to the plot of the first Godfather. In the end everything seems to make since.
The Godfather: Part II is an epic masterpiece.
10/10, minor flaws.