Unjustly maligned...

Rating: 8/10 (5 August 2003)

Having rewatched this film last night I thought I would post my feelings on it after revaluation.
I would now rate it as being a better film than its 7.2 rating reflects, but I can see why people are so hard on it because all of this films problems were completely self inflicted.
Firstly, skimping on the 2m dollars extra it would have cost to cast Robert Duval as Hagen is just an unforgivable blunder and a horrible example of greed over art. Duval's character would have given the movie a depth and a link to the first two that was sorely missing. Connie and Kay had the emotional family aspect
covered but every scene that involved business was almost sucked into the void left by Hagen.
Secondly the casting. Gee-whiz. I think enough has been said about Sofia's casting as Mary - its essentially
pointless to elaborate other than to say it was horrible. Also the actor playing Vicent just didn't do it for me. He displayed no depth whatsoever...that may have been deliberate but if so it was a mistake.
BUT...on the positive side, I thought the writing was again excellent, the story was intricate and bloody in keeping with the Godfather tradition and the
directing was again visually plush and rich and always moved at the right pace.
And then there's Pacino. *moment of speechless awe* One of his last great performances before the 'Scent of a Women' Oscar ruined his career.
Lastly, the ending was the best ending of any of the The Godfather films. When Kay and Connie look over at Michael as he screams in anguish they both have
an expression of shocked understanding as if all his actions are finally
explained - as if after all of the years they are truly seeing him for the very first time. Its a beautiful ending.
I'd give it, in IMDB ratings 8.0/10.