Just give it a shot

Rating: Null/10 (6 March 2004)

Yes, yes, yes...we all know that Sophia Coppola is lousy here. But while her part was an important one, the movie doesn't revolve around her. If you allow one of the supporting actors to ruin an entire film for you, I pity you.
There's a complex, captivating story going on here. Of course it doesn't capture the same magic that the first two films did, but that would be impossible. This is a story about a tortured soul, a man desperate to escape his past but who never will. It's fascinating because Michael is overwhelmed by guilt and remorse for the decisions he's made over the decades, but even with the benefit of hindsight he doesn't see how he could have done anything different (and the audience needs to contemplate whether or not this is true). Meanwhile, this character study is all wrapped up in a riveting story of political intrigue, corruption, and deception.
Pacino is his usual brilliant self. Garcia puts in a great performance and really does remind you of Sonny. Talia Shire (nepotism isn't all bad!) does a wonderful job as well, showing us a Connie who's evolved into a frighteningly cold and vicious woman. Probably the most underrated actor here is Eli Wallach as Don Altobello, a worthy foe for a criminal mind like Michael's. Yes, it was a mistake for Coppola to cast his daughter, who was a complete amateur at that time. And in an obvious attempt to replicate the assassinations/baptism scene from the original, Puzo and Coppola tried too hard and the result was an overly complicated and slightly confusing finale. But overall, this is one fantastic movie.
A final thought (MINOR SPOILER HERE): Pacino's performance in the final scene, on the steps of the opera house, is one of the most incredible acting displays I've ever seen. Never in my life have I seen such believable anguish and pain.