Recently Watched The Godfather Trilogy for the First Time

[Mark Hammer]

Man was I missing out or what? 1 and 2 were spectacular movies though I was a little disappointed with the third. The way it ended, I dunno, I just think it could have been done better. I've never read the books so that very well could have been how the trilogy was supposed to end. I just didn't care for the ending, or the third movie much at all. It wasn't bad by any means but it was a noticeable step down in quality/'epicness' from the first two, and while I enjoyed Andy Garcia's portrayal of Sonny's son I found a hard time getting behind him as the new Don of the family.

Godfather II was easily my favorite of the three. They absolutely nailed young Vito's casting with De Niro, and I found myself thoroughly more invested in his storyline than I did with the "current" Michael Corleone part of the story. You can definitely see Mike becoming a twisted bastard compared to how he was in the original, and I was genuinely appalled when he ordered his own brother to be axed at the end of the film.

So having recently viewed the trilogy without having much commentary/incite beforehand, are my opinions the norm? Did anybody actually prefer the third film to the first two? Discuss The Godfather Trilogy please!

[Fro]

The third film is notoriously ragged upon for being shit. People are basically split evenly between preferring 1 or 2 with a slight tendency towards 2. So yeah your opinions are in the norm.

I prefer 1.

[Version 6]

Your views are pretty consistent with what most people think of the films.

People are generally divided on the ending (I actually quite like it), but the third film itself is widely regarded as a disappointment.

[lotjx]

Godfather III had a ton of problems going into it. The studio was willing to go ahead without Francis and most of the crew. When Francis agreed to do it, the studio low balled Robert Duvall. Negotiations were on going to the point they kept George Hamilton's scenes down to a bare minimum. Francis also had little control on the shooting too since at least one or two scenes with his daughter were filmed without him and lead to a lot of her bad acting. It was pretty much a disaster and the fact that its a watchable movie is a minor miracle. Francis' audio commentary on the films is very interesting and he pulls no punches.

I find it interesting the story with the Vatican is basically true. It does make me wonder if they had time to fully play out with the script how much better it could have been. I am ok with the end. Michael dying alone fits with all the things he did.

[Mark Hammer]

When Francis agreed to do it, the studio low balled Robert Duvall.

I noticed how odd/random it was that Tom had been killed off without much explanation or fanfare. I guess this explains it.

[Fro]

Sofia Coppola is the biggest thing holding back the third one, for me at least. To add onto the production issues lotjx talked about, Winona Ryder was supposed to take the role of Mary Corleone but dropped out at the last minute resulting in Sofia taking over. It would have been so much better with a good performance in that role. The climax on the steps just doesn't hit me like it should have because for most of her screen time I'm aggravated at how lifeless her performance is. I like the ending with him dying and can't really think of a better way to end it. The story is a bit too complex/boring with all the Vatican stuff. Pacino's good as usual though his voice change makes it seem a little off, and this might be stupid but the haircut they gave him for the film is awful. Michael Corleone would not wear his hair fuckin spiked up like that. I love Andy Garcia's performace. It's not a bad movie, just a big step down from the first two. I can enjoy it every now and again.

[Version 6]

It never seemed quite believable to me, how quickly Vincent effectively became boss of the family.

[Mik]

Yeah, the third one wasnt a bad film by any stretch of the imagination. Its an interesting story and contains some great scripting and acting with some iconic moments in it...it was nominated for 9 academy awards too and made a load of money. It just was nowhere near the imperious quality of what came before it.

I think that the perceived popular opinion is that Godfather I is the best, but I always preferred two. The synchronicity between the two stories is just about perfect and the way that Don Vito is creating relationships that Michael ultimately has to end is just great storytelling. Pacino and De Niro are on their absolute A games and the film in general is pretty much as good as it gets.

[G-Fresh]

I love me some Mafia movies. You should peep out Gotti starring Armand Assante.

[Mark Hammer]

Yeah I'm definitely on a mafia film "kick" atm. Goodfellas is next, me and the old lady are watching it tonight. I hear it's pretty good. Any other suggestions? I've seen The Departed and I loved it, so they don't have to be strictly Italian mob types. Just good gangster flicks.

[Chris]

Road to Perdition is worth checking out, if you haven't already seen it.

Must get around to seeing the Godfather films myself.

[Mik]

Eastern Promises.

[lotjx]

Goodfellas and Casino.

[Mark Hammer]

Road to Perdition is worth checking out, if you haven't already seen it.

Must get around to seeing the Godfather films myself.

Nice, just looked it up and I'm pleased to see Tom Hanks starring. Will definitely check this one out. And yes you definitely must get around to watching The Godfather films.


Eastern Promises.

I had never even heard of this one but I see it's been very well received by critics so I will check this one out too. Also curious to see the Russian mafia scene.


Goodfellas and Casino.

Like I said, Goodfellas is on for tonight. Casino is another one that I haven't seen but have heard of. And another De Niro film that was received well by critics, I will add it to my checklist.

Thanks for the suggestions guys. :yes:

[Fro]

Casino is so similar in style to Goodfellas that it feels like a sequel even though it isn't. Both have Scorsese, De Niro and Pesci in top form. Both are excellent and among my favorite films.

[lotjx]

Casino is so similar in style to Goodfellas that it feels like a sequel even though it isn't. Both have Scorsese, De Niro and Pesci in top form. Both are excellent and among my favorite films.

According to Scorsese, it is.

[Morrison]

it's not, though.

[LOCONUT]

Casino is my single favorite movie, ever.

[Version 6]

Yeah I'm definitely on a mafia film "kick" atm. Goodfellas is next, me and the old lady are watching it tonight. I hear it's pretty good. Any other suggestions? I've seen The Departed and I loved it, so they don't have to be strictly Italian mob types. Just good gangster flicks.

You need to watch Heat. And Donnie Brasco.

[Version 6]

I presume you've already watched films like The Usual Suspects, Carlito's Way, Reservoir Dogs, Scarface, and The Untouchables.

If not, watch those too.

[Mark Hammer]

I have seen The Usual Suspects and Reservoir Dogs, years ago. Haven't seen the other ones you mentioned though. I know Scarface is an iconic film, especially amongst black rappers for whatever reason, but is it actually a good movie?

[The Rogerer]

It's a farce but very enjoyable.

[Fro]

YES. It's extremely bad ass. I would bump that up to the top of your list with Goodfellas and Casino.

Heat is another good shout although now we're talking crime movies rather than mafia.

[Version 6]

Yes, it's a good film and well worth a watch.

There are a quite a number of films posted in this thread which I prefer to it frankly, but thats obviously personal preference. But yeah, don't let what the image has become spoil a geniunely good film for you.

[Cewsh]

I have seen The Usual Suspects and Reservoir Dogs, years ago. Haven't seen the other ones you mentioned though. I know Scarface is an iconic film, especially amongst black rappers for whatever reason, but is it actually a good movie?

Yeah, it's pretty good, but you probably already know the entire plot from various parodies and the like. And it is looooooooooong.

[Version 6]

Yeah, Once Upon a Time in America can be hard going for the same reason. Not entirely sure if that qualifies though...

[Fro]

Once Upon a Time in America is the longest fucking movie ever. Scarface is 2:50 but it doesn't drag much, for me at least.

[Mark Hammer]

It's a farce but very enjoyable.

Care to elaborate?

[virms]

True Romance. Dennis Hopper/Christopher Walken's scene with guest James Gandolfini (Sopranos another must) is fucking amazing.

Oh it's written by Quentin Tarantino and has Val Kilmer as Elvis and Brad Pritt as a stoner smoking weed all day long out of a honey bear.

Really great flick. Some jerk named Christian Slater is in it as well.

[Version 6]

Oh yes Marky Mark, if we are extending this to TV, then Boardwalk Empire and The Sopranos are a must as well.

[The Rick]

-Road to Perdition
-Miller’s Crossing
-Snatch
-The Untouchables
-Scarface(obviously)
-Carlito's Way
-Casino

[The Rogerer]

Care to elaborate?It's a very enjoyable movie, but people who take it seriously (eg Rappers) have something wrong with them. It's an over the top story with over the top performances but I've watched it countless times and always enjoy it.

[Mik]

Scarface is so overrated its ridiculous.

Always worth a watch though.

[Fro]

I find it amusing how you guys say it's so overrated and in the same breathe say how you always enjoy watching it. To me, the backlash against its popularity by filmies is much more frustrating than the popularity itself. Yes rappers reference it a lot because it's THE bad ass, poor-street-thug-turned-drug-king movie. And so what? I can't think of a better film to be referenced/glorified in that vein. It's become a cult classic but it's not like it won any awards or is regarded in the same category as The Godfather. It's currently sitting at #130 on the IMDB list and to me that's right where it belongs.

I also don't think it's any more over the top than other crime movies like Heat or Training Day.

[G-Fresh]

A couple that I think deserve mention that are off the radar are the Jerky Boys and King of New York.

and Big Money Hustlas

Whoop X2

[Droid]

I find it amusing how you guys say it's so overrated and in the same breathe say how you always enjoy watching it. To me, the backlash against its popularity by filmies is much more frustrating than the popularity itself. Yes rappers reference it a lot because it's THE bad ass, poor-street-thug-turned-drug-king movie. And so what? I can't think of a better film to be referenced/glorified in that vein. It's become a cult classic but it's not like it won any awards or is regarded in the same category as The Godfather. It's currently sitting at #130 on the IMDB list and to me that's right where it belongs.

I also don't think it's any more over the top than other crime movies like Heat or Training Day.

I agree with this. I am so tired of people saying bad things about the movie but also saying that they've seen it alot and like it.

[Version 6]

A film can be great and over rated at the same time.

It frequently pops up on best film of all time lists and it doesn't deserve to be there. It's not even in the top ten films of its genre.

[Droid]

It's not even in the top ten films of its genre.

http://m.voices.yahoo.com/top-25-gangster-movies-5920508.html

[Droid]

Double post.

[Guy]

Man on fire is on that list, so it is null and void.

[Droid]

It did say that people might question it being on the list and then explained why they thought it should be there though.

[Version 6]

http://m.voices.yahoo.com/top-25-gangster-movies-5920508.html

I'm not sure how that proves anything other than that someone I've never heard of also over rates Scarface.

[Guy]

It did say that people might question it being on the list and then explained why they thought it should be there though.

Yea but that doesn't make it right. Besides it barely gives a reason, it just kinda gives a synopsis. Which is moot anyway, Man on Fire belongs on a top 25 gangster movies list far far far less than Scarface might.

[Droid]

I'm not sure how that proves anything other than that someone I've never heard of also over rates Scarface.

You're not proving anything about it being overated though. You're just saying it is overated lol. It does by the way have a very high rating of 8.2 from people who voted on it on IMDB though.

[Version 6]

It is a good film, but I don't think it has aged as well as other films of its genre.

The score in particularly dates very poorly. Pacino's performance ranges from brilliant to cartoonish. They are really my only criticisms, but they are enough for me to believe it isn't the best gangster film of all time. Regardless of where they are placed on the list, the fact that it ranks ahead of both Godfather 1 and 2 should be enough for you to pretty much dismiss it.

[Morrison]

You're not proving anything about it being overated though. You're just saying it is overated lol. It does by the way have a very high rating of 8.2 from people who voted on it on IMDB though.
why would you cite a high rating on an internet site as an argument for a film not being OVERRATED? the whole point of the other side is that a lot of people who've seen it rate it higher than it actually should be, which would make a high average rating on IMDB help them out.

[G-Fresh]

Man on fire is on that list, so it is null and void.

Put the pipe down son. That shit is dope.

[Mark Hammer]

Just so you guys know you're making me think twice about wasting my time on Scarface. Even if it is an ok movie, I want to watch a good movie.

[Version 6]

It is a good movie. Just not the best gangster film of all time.

[McBain]

Scarface is brilliant.

Definitely up there with Pacino's best.

[Mark Hammer]

From the movies I've seen I'd rate The Godfather II as the best so far, followed probably by The Departed. I'm assuming it doesn't get much better than that.

[McBain]

Goodfellas is probably my favourite though. Love it.

[Mark Hammer]

It was good, I watched it a couple of nights ago. Trying to decide on the next one which was going to be Scarface, until I read about how over-rated it is. I'll probably be going with Mik's suggestion of Eastern Promises next.

[Mark Hammer]

Annnnnnnnd Scarface it is, thanks to Fro. I'll post my thoughts in a bit.

[The Rick]

Miller's Crossing is a 20s style gangster flick, and one of the Coen brothers' first 4 films. Not great, but very much worth a watch.

[McBain]

Eastern Promises is BRUTAL. Cracking film.

[takerson]

Yeah I'm definitely on a mafia film "kick" atm. Goodfellas is next, me and the old lady are watching it tonight. I hear it's pretty good. Any other suggestions? I've seen The Departed and I loved it, so they don't have to be strictly Italian mob types. Just good gangster flicks.

C-A-S-I-N-O is my favorite.


You need to watch Heat. And Donnie Brasco.

Yes and BIG FUCKING YES. DONNIE BRASCO is BRILLIANT.


True Romance. Dennis Hopper/Christopher Walken's scene with guest James Gandolfini (Sopranos another must) is fucking amazing.

Oh it's written by Quentin Tarantino and has Val Kilmer as Elvis and Brad Pritt as a stoner smoking weed all day long out of a honey bear.

Really great flick. Some jerk named Christian Slater is in it as well.

BIG YES to this too. True Romance is awesome. The Walken/Hopper scene is an iconic scene in movie history.



-Road to Perdition
-The Untouchables
-Scarface(obviously)


Yes, Yes, and Yes.


And, I like Godfather I & III, but LOVE Godfather II.

[takerson]

'ow da ffuck I gonna get a scar like dat eatin' pussy, main?

:lol:

[Mark Hammer]

'ow da ffuck I gonna get a scar like dat eatin' pussy, main?

:lol:

I lol'ed a few times during Pacino's initial scene. Halfway through Scarface now, so far quite enjoying it. Very very 80's though.

[Mark Hammer]

Just finished Scarface, and I liked it. But I think Pacino's performance far superseded the overall quality of the movie, which was at times very campy. Good movie but it's nowhere near the quality of the first two Godfathers.

[Droid]

why would you cite a high rating on an internet site as an argument for a film not being OVERRATED? the whole point of the other side is that a lot of people who've seen it rate it higher than it actually should be, which would make a high average rating on IMDB help them out.

Because it's got a high rating but it's not high like The Godfather. It's not overated. It's right where it needs to be.

[Mik]

It's overrated, the quality of the film does not match the level of influence it has and the way it has entered public consciousness. It's a good film, but it's quite trashy. Pacinos performance kind of sums up the film, really good, but really camp and excessive and over the top and always walking the line between sublime and stupid. It has also dated very badly in some respects in a way in which the classics like the godfather and goodfellas has not.

[Mik]

However...it is absolutely iconic.

[Mark Hammer]

It has also dated very badly in some respects in a way in which the classics like the godfather and goodfellas has not.

Yes. Like I said, it was extremely "80's camp". If I didn't know any better and was solely going off how The Godfather looked/sounded/etc it could have been made last year for all I'd know. But Scarface screamed poorly-produced 80's flick. Considering the recognition it gets I would have to side with the argument that it is overrated. Pacino's performance was incredible though, he nailed his Cuban gangster character.

[Mark Hammer]

Eastern Promises is next by the way. It better be good Mik or I will hunt you down and perform a rear-naked choke.

[Mik]

Alf doesn't like it, I do.

[turdpower]

I've never seen any of these films.

[Mark Hammer]

Oof turdpower, get on it immediately. Godfather I and II are a must, and you'll probably want to see III after you're done. You haven't seen The Departed either?

[turdpower]

I have not.

You name a film and I basically haven't seen it.

[Mark Hammer]

Unacceptable.

[turdpower]

Never seen it.

[virms]

I haven't seen that one.

Eastern Promises is a great flick Hammer. You will enjoy. I can think of one scene in particular you will have your cock in your hand.

[Mark Hammer]

So I finally got around to seeing Eastern Promises. I enjoyed it although I could have done without the fight scene where Viggo Mortensen's dong is flopping about.

Definitely a better film than Scarface, and I'd probably put it on par with Godfather III. I haven't decided which film of those that have been suggested to watch next. I assume trying to find one that matches the greatness of the first two Godfathers is going to be a moot effort.

[McBain]

That scenes one of the best in it! Realism mate, surely you can get past the fact that he's in his birthday suit. Uncomfortable viewing perhaps but definitely great cinema.

[Mark Hammer]

So I saw Road to Perdition a couple of nights ago. Wasn't a bad movie necessarily but I expected it to be much better having Tom Hanks and Jude Law in it's lead roles.

Casino is probably next unless someone can convince me otherwise.

[Mik]

The cinematography for that film was awesome, the great Conrad L Hall's last films and sadly also one of Paul Newman's last performances.

Casino is very good, give it a watch.

[Guy]

Yeah I'm definitely on a mafia film "kick" atm. Goodfellas is next, me and the old lady are watching it tonight. I hear it's pretty good. Any other suggestions? I've seen The Departed and I loved it, so they don't have to be strictly Italian mob types. Just good gangster flicks.

You've seen The Untouchables, yes?

[Mik]

I consider that to be overrated in much the same as Scarface is. Good film though.

[Guy]

I need to re-watch it in all honesty. I remember enjoying it, but nothing more than that. Clearly it wasn't a game changer or it may have stuck with me a bit more.

If I remember right it has a pretty snappy pace, it's not a film that meanders or out-stays its welcome and some of the camera movements were extremely dynamic. Of course you have to love Connery playing the obviously-not-irish mentor role also.

[Fro]

Literally the only thing I can criticize about Casino is the split second where you can see the De Niro dummy.

[Jimmy Zero]

I didn't like Casino. It's not bad, but I also don't really think it's particularly good, either.

Give me Goodfellas over all these other gangster movies and I'm happy.

I'm also really looking forward to Gangster Squad. That looks like it'll be a good one.

[Guy]

Probably not as good as Monster Squad..

[Fro]

Gangster Squad has a good cast but looks extremely generic to me. Like an Untouchables remake.

[Mark Hammer]

You've seen The Untouchables, yes?

I haven't. Do I need to add it to my to-do list?

[Mik]

Gangster Squad has a good cast but looks extremely generic to me. Like an Untouchables remake.

I'd think so too...but that cast just doesnt seem likely to have picked a generic film as far as I can tell.

[Guy]

I haven't. Do I need to add it to my to-do list?

I'd suggest doing so yes. A lot of iconic gangster movie imagery in that flick, also there's De Niro as Al Capone which is always worth a watch if you're a De Niro fan.

And as I say it's not an overlong movie, just shy of two hours I think, so its faster pace and shorter running time should be a nice balance out to the Casino's and Godfathers.

[Clutch]

You need to watch Heat. And Donnie Brasco.

:yes:

both great movies imo.

another movie that i love is A Bronx Tale.

[VHS]

Heat is one of the greatest films ever made.

[Mik]

Maybe over-egging it a little. Its definitely got the best heist scene/shoot out of any film ever made though.

Plus its fucking class!

[Mark Hammer]

Just finished Casino. Loved every fucking minute of the entire three hours. This might be the De Niro fanboy in me coming out but this was easily my favorite of all the movies that have been suggested so far. Sharon Stone played a truly despicable cunt. Tying your daughter to the bed by rope to go see your john because you couldn't find a babysitter, fuck off.

Carlito's Way is next, followed by True Romance. Then off to download some more of the recommended titles in this thread.

[PurePlayer]

Just finished Casino. Loved every fucking minute of the entire three hours. This might be the De Niro fanboy in me coming out but this was easily my favorite of all the movies that have been suggested so far. Sharon Stone played a truly despicable cunt. Tying your daughter to the bed by rope to go see your john because you couldn't find a babysitter, fuck off.

Carlito's Way is next, followed by True Romance. Then off to download some more of the recommended titles in this thread.

I would watch a Bronx Tale over both of those to be honest.

[Fro]

I wouldn't. I like A Bronx Tale but it doesn't exactly take the genre anywhere new.

[Mik]

A History of Violence

[Mark Hammer]

Seen it and loved it.

[Mik]

Drive.

[The Rick]

Miller's Crossing is on Netflix. An older Coen brothers flick, but a good one.

[VHS]

I love The Godfather, but I can seriously say that it's the easiest movie to fall asleep to. The second one as well.

:scared:

http://25.media.tumblr.com/377e1623fa29eb8a16487aa2c6d9acc8/tumblr_mkc32iJX4V1rjhbn2o1_400.gif