Review of The Godfather Part III (1990) by Alex Z — 05 Feb 2011

Francis Ford Coppolla's legendary trilogy comes to an end with this tragic and bloody finale. The third installment in The Godfather trilogy is no where near the first two films, but is still a masterpiece in it's own right. The Godfather Part 3 takes an intrinsic look at an aged Micheal Corleone, and how his guilt and health are starting to get the best of him. Released in 1990, this film was shot a good 25 years after the second, but the story itself takes place in 1979. It's a brilliant film highly entertaining and emotionally intense, Part 3 is and always will be another iconic Coppolla crime masterpiece. A great ending to a towering and spectacular acheivement in cinema, a piece of truly brilliant filmmaking. Alot of critics and audiences alike were quick to bash this film, but I feel that it was an excellent way to end it all. Very satisfying. It's more violent than the first two, and the hits have gotten bigger in scale, but the intense focus on The Corleone family has shifted to an intense character study on Michael Corleone. His relationship to his children, his girlfriend, his sister, and most of all the relationship to himself as he confronts and fights his many inner demons that have stemmed from the past.

Al Pacino reprises his iconic role as Michael, and is just as good as he's ever been. Another stunning and hypnotic performance from Pacino. Andy Garcia stars as Michael's nephew Vincent, and gives us a truly brilliant performance. Garcia is a revelation in this film, it's easily the best performance of his career. Diane Keaton is great as well. A splendidly talented cast, the acting is marvelous.

A true masterwork. Another gem from Coppolla and company. An explosively, bloody, and diabolical crime drama that will leave you wanting more and more.