Good movie, but could have been much better.

Rating: 6/10 (10 December 2001)

I enjoyed this movie, even though there was no way it could live up to inevitable expectations I had after seeing the first two installments. I think it was a certainty that I was going to be a bit disappointed.
Pacino was magnificent as the elder Don, haunted by the past (especially the murder of his brother Fredo). I thought it was a shame that Robert Duvall couldnt be convinced to play Tom Hagan again. His presence would have been a clear upgrade over George Hamilton (howd he get cast in this?) and would have given some breadth to the overall quality of the movie. I had some problems with another casting choice: what was Briget Fonda doing in this?

Andy Garcia was really good in the part of Vincent Mancini, and Richard Bright was solid as Al Neri, a hold over from the earlier Godfather films. There are some really good actors in lesser roles like John Savage (from the Deer Hunter and Salvador). Cast as Tom Hagans son Andrew, Savage plays a preist who is thus removed (unfortunately) from the family business. His talents arent utilized nearly enough in this flick.
Overall its a good movie, and an interesting look at the Corleone family 20 years later. But anyone expecting something along the lines of Godfather 1 quality will be let down.