1950's remnants in the 70's

Rating: Null/10 (19 March 2010)

Misjudged due to its truthfulness, filmed in 1991, this Godfather is a fitting third film.
It's now the 70's and times have changed since the 1950's hay days of the first two films. Pacino portrays an aged, mellower, ill and haunted man, gone is the steeliness of his youth. Michael Corleone's hair changes colour after his stroke, and there are plenty of character touches added to the older Don, as well as to Talia Shire's Connie Corleone.
Many of the original cast appear which adds to the continuity, a great touch for die hard fans. You can argue that Sofia Coppola was miscast but it may just be because she's not authentically beautiful, sorry, you can't pick your family. Missing is Tom Hagan and George Hamilton as B.J. Harrison fills the gap tolerably. Andy Garcia is excellent as Vincent Mancini, Sonny's illegitimate son.
Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo take the rounded characters on journey of self realisation. It's a pleasant character study that reflects how we change as we get older. The film gains momentum, building great tension and shock in the third act. However, don't watch expecting the atmosphere, vitality or vigour first two.
These are 1950's remnants in the 70's and all the power on earth can't change destiny.