Unfairly panned third installment.

Rating: 7/10 (21 January 2002)

When The Godfather Part 3 came out in 1990, all lovers of the two other films were anxious, waiting for another classic in what many regard as two of the greatest American films. Alas what came was a good film, but not in the same league as its predecessors. It has been rumored that Coppola did this project only because he was in financial problems. It does show that his passion for the project dwindled. The movie does not have the freshness and detail of the other 2. But that being said it is not the total loss that many people make it out to be. The story is basically similar to Godfather 1, set in 1979, Michael Corleone is in his 60's and is trying to realize his dream of legitimizing his family business,of course he is naive in thinking that he could wash away his past and his sins, this film presents Michael as a tired man, a man that is so guilt ridden that he could hardly smile, those who know that series will understand what I'm referring to. Al Pacino plays it close to perfect, he is a man beaten, weary of all his mistakes, his heart is broken. I feel that the time that was spent in between the making of the second one and this was too long, the film doesn't achieve greatness, it does give a fitting end to the Corleon saga. Give the film a chance, lower your expectations, and you will see that it is ultimately worthwhile.
Grade: B