The Godfather, Part III

Audience Reviews

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Adam M I'm gonna get burned for this one, but hear me out. THE GODFATHER PART III is obviously no match when compared to its predecessors; the rich themes of the American experience in the first two films have been largely set aside, and Sophia Coppola's performance (the director/father's last-minute replacement for Winona Ryder) was justifiably pilloried. Robert Duvall declined participation over money -- and his character was integral to Coppola's original script, which had Tom Hagen killed at the film's midpoint, and launched Michael's crusade for revenge. Little doubt the film that would/should have been held considerable promise. But no film with that kind of pedigree could have possibly lived up to such high expectations. The GODFATHER III that eventually came to be is admittedly flawed, even ponderous at times, but it is also beautifully crafted, heartfelt, and has moments of absolute brilliance. Michael Corleone, now 60 but sickly and looking ancient, sets out to legitimize his family empire by striking a near billion dollar business deal with the Vatican...while coming to terms with a new generation of mafioso. Corruption is everywhere; the film cleverly ties in real-life events of Vatican financial scandals and the premature death of a new pope. Through it all, though, is Coppola's focus on family -- and the family empire's eventual downfall. Al Pacino, in one of his all-time best performances, imbues Michael Corleone's search for redemption with a deeply moving sense of regret, weariness, sentimentality, and even dashes of humor. The film wanes a bit after the first hour, but is more than redeemed by a spectacular final act that remains one of the highpoints of the series. And then there's that ending -- where even the great Michael Corleone must finally pay the price for his many crimes, and face a merciless comeuppance that was long overdue. Michael's final scream -- at first silent, then shattering, set to the Intermezzo of Cavalaria Rusticana, and followed by a montage where an elderly Michael reflects on those he's loved and lost, is one of the powerful scenes I've ever seen, and a perfect end to the greatest film series of all time. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/13/25 Full Review Gabriel M Having watched all three Godfather movies, I can say each one has an interesting storyline, and Part III was still one of the better sequels I've watched so far. The themes of redemption and consequence kept me invested, and the performances and cinematography gave it weight. However, the ending really lets it down. The pivotal moment with Mary Corleone being fatally shot should have been devastating, but it was poorly executed and lacked the emotional impact it needed. Instead of closing the saga on a powerful note, it leaves much to be desired. Overall, not a bad film, and certainly worth watching as part of the trilogy - just not on the same level as the first two. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 09/05/25 Full Review Edward L After G1 and G2, two of the greatest movies of all time G3 was almost certain to be a disappointment. Watching it again however, it is not as bad as I thought first time around. Sofia Coppola was rightly castigated for her performance, she has neither the looks or the acting ability to carry off the part, but she is not the only mistake the director made in casting. Garcia spends his time attempting a poor impersonation of his screen father by shouting and threatening anyone within range, while Eli Wallach follows Lee Strasberg in G2 (why would anyone ever have taken acting lessons from this second-rate ham) in proving that old actors do not necessarily make good actors. Wallach shuffling about the set muttering and waving his hands like Al Jolson is laughable. There are also problems with characterisation and writing. Connie, though performed with brilliance by Talia Shire, is simply not credible in her transformation from a pathetic drunk to Lady Macbeth. The final nail in the coffin however is Coppola's refusal to pay Robert Duvall the fee he deserved with the result that Tom Hagen, the quiet rock to which the other performances are tethered in G1 & G2 is absent to the detriment of the movie as a whole. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 07/26/25 Full Review Miguel C the movie is very good i don't care what people say it could have been better of course but I still loved everything about it Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/09/25 Full Review Linus D. They fumbled the bag Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 07/06/25 Full Review Nashville I. This movie never happened. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 07/06/25 Full Review Read all reviews

The Godfather, Part III

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