Magnificent Finale to the Series

Rating: Null/10 (24 February 2004)

Actually, I don't see what the big deal is with Sofia's performance in this film - I thought it was as good as anyone else. Considering they looked at Winnona R and Madonna prior to Sofia taking on the role . . . excuse me, outside of her videos when did Madonna ever turn in a good performance? Oh well, to each their own. Frankly, I didn't think any given actor was that great (certainly not Oscar-worthy), although Mantegna was pretty good in his usual David Mamet-sort-of-way.
The scene in the Vatican courtyard was almost embarrassing from the priests perspective - way too many "go on, my son"(s) during Michael's confession.
Having said that, the build-up on opera night was impressive and the death of Mary was one for the ages and guaranteed to make any parent suffer.
As usual, the music was fantastic (with a little Elvis C thrown in for toe-tapping).
Not the best of the three, but it's had legs.