Overwritten, overacted, and largely overcriticized

Rating: 8/10 (5 March 2004)

Despite all its shortcomings, this was still better than 99% of the movies that came out in the 90s. It deserved its Best Picture nomination, but the series was rightly denied its third Best Picture Oscar. Sophia Coppola has since proved herself as a darned fine writer and director -- a good thing, since she's an abysmally bad actor. The young Anthony Garcia doesn't have half the chops, or a quarter of the charisma, as the young Pacino or the young DeNiro did, and THAT's why we're not likely to see a Godfather, Part IV anytime soon. Trading Robert Duvall for George Hamilton as the family consigliare ain't no small downsizing, either. Still, worthwhile just to see Pacino gnaw on the gorgeous sets in that gorgeous sweater vest.