Least of the trilogy because it cannot stand on its own

Rating: 8/10 (27 October 2003)

I have watched this film about 5 times and the other two about 10 times each. It is an exceptional movie overall despite some critical flaws with the casting and some of its themes. I didn't like Sofia Coppola's performance because she seemed arrogant and stuck up. The romance between Mary and Vincent feels forced and so does the rekindled one with Michael and Kay. There is also a horribly edited scene were Michael has a stroke and the cut between frames moves some of the products around in the kitchen. Probably the most disappointing thing about the film is that it depends upon the prior two movies to explain itself. A person could watch GFI or GFII and appreciate them independently. This film requires you to be fans of the first two and forgive its shortfalls and recycled philosophy. Knowledge of King Lear might also help you to be stirred up by this film.