A mixed bag, but you can't ignore what its highlights add to the saga.

Rating: 7/10 (23 June 2015)

With its present reputation, it takes a long time to get around to The Godfather Part III, unless of course you're already a big fan of Coppola's saga. I only ever wanted to watch it after refreshing myself with the first two parts, but that's a long investment. You've seen over 6 hours worth of film before you get around to the third, usually I'm burnt out by then. However, this time I really came around on Part II. While I'm still hot and cold on Part I, mostly admiring it more than enjoying it, I found a deep and consistent appreciation of Part II that really spoke to me on a personal level. I'd finally found motivation for Part III and I don't intend to revisit it anytime soon. It's good, not great - but you can't take away the things it does right.
Most of the acting is stellar, the production is top notch as always and it closes arcs on poignant notes. It's at its best when it's low key. The weakest moments are when Coppola tries too hard. The violence is sudden, but unmeasured. It feels like he's just nudging you for your attention but moments like these fatally break the flow. I hate to agree with the consensus of hating Sofia Coppola, but yes, she is a dire sore thumb in need of a bandage. A surprisingly welcome addition to the saga is Andy Garcia, who's the one exception to the rule of the film's best moments being the low-key ones. It really needed Tom Hagen, his absence illustrates how this was just a film made for the money but the studio wasn't keen to spread that love. Part III is a mixed bag with some worthy highlights.
7/10