Review of The Godfather Part II (1974) by Dillinger P — 04 May 2014

Over time, certain events have lead to the sequal of a film exceeding all expectations and actually battering the original into a pulp, The Dark Knight, Terminator 2, some would argue Aliens, guess what, The Godfather Part 2 is also on that list.

Now thats not to say that the original isnt worth merit, not at all, infact the original has next to nothing wrong with it, its just that with 25 minutes more, here we manage to fit in so much more material that your left drooling for its running time.

Part 2 is split into 2 segments that flip back and forth throughout the piece. Part one is a continuation of the first film, we follow Michael Corleone 7 years after we left him, struggling to lead a crime free life that he promised his wife Kay, Keaton.

His money and efforts have gone into funding casinos and hotels, however this finds him playing a dangerous game and after an assassination attempt on his life, Michael meets with an associate Hymen Roth in order to settle a deal, leaving Tom to protect his family back home.

Along the way his family pop up from time to time and a mass web of deciet and muddled plots emerge leaving Michael in one hell of a predicament. The other part to this story is a flashback to the early 1900's where we learn about Don Vito Corleone, about his life growing up, having his children and starting his empire from the ground up.

Its a riveting tale and who is better to play the part of a young Brando than the man himself Robert De Niro. He kills it. he literally thumps it out the park and plays Vito down to a T. The sections sound like way too much is going on in them to work side by side however Coppola knows when to run with either angle and the resonation of respect, family and love keep these 2 stories flowing beuatifully.

The outstanding script work and cinematography is back, almost identical but not feeling over used. The acting from everyone again is just majestic and the running time doesnt effect the flow at all, it does come with an intermission for viewers with weak bladders or small attention spans.

However this film is so brilliantly crafted it just flows perfectly and allowing a pause for me just ruins the flow. Yes there is a lot more to it, its longer and some audience members may not find this a pleasant watch.

However its electrifying and heart wrenching story is just too good to miss out on.