A sequel that surpasses its monumental predecessor

Rating: Null/10 (12 April 2000)

The proclivities of the majority of imdb users on this topic are well known: 'The Godfather' is a better film than 'The Godfather Part II'. However, having watched them back-to-back last night, then argued the relative merits with my friend, I have to say I disagree.
Let's look at the evidence. OK, so 'The Godfather' has better death scenes, better villains, James Caan and Marlon Brando. These things are not to be ignored. But 'Part II' is arguably more epic, and definitely more poetic. Here we get two films for the price (although admittedly not the typical length) of one. And in these two separate storylines we get two immense performances. At this time, it seems that if De Niro and Pacino were to share the screen, it would simply explode.
Al Pacino and De Niro both transform themselves to celluloid legends. Pacino eminates a presence that was only hinted at in the first movie, as we watch him chillingly guard the interests of his family. He visibly ages throughout the course of the movie, yet never loses his humanity.
De Niro not only delivers a spot on young Marlon Brando, but develops Don Vito and gives him a subtle and wholly appropriate sense of humour: just look at the scene where nothing more than a knowing smirk is needed to cause a previously tyrannical landlord to lower his rent $10!
At the end of the day, I just prefer the whole atmosphere of 'Part II'. What it may lack in the set pieces of its predecessor, it makes up for with its beautiful direction and cinematography, and an air of incredible confidence afforded by the success of the first instalment.