Two decades have passed and crime kingpin Michael Corleone, now divorced from his wife Kay, has nearly succeeded in keeping his promise that his family would one day be "completely legitimate." A philanthropist devoted to public service, Michael is in the news as the recipient of a special award from the Pope for his good works, a controversial move given his checkered past. Determined to buy redemption, Michael and his lawyer B.J. are working on a complicated but legal deal to bail the Vatican out of looming financial troubles that will ultimately reap billions and put Michael on the world stage as a major financial player. However, trouble looms in several forms: The press is hostile to his intentions. Michael is in failing health and suffers a mild diabetic stroke. Stylish mob underling Joey Zaza is muscling into the Corleone turf. "The Commission" of Mafia families, represented by patriarch Altobello doesn't want to let their cash cow Corleone out of the Mafia, though he has made a generous financial offer in exchange for his release from "la cosa nostra." And then there's Vincent Mancini, the illegitimate and equally temperamental son of Michael's long-dead brother Sonny. Vincent desperately wants into the family (both literally and figuratively), and at the urging of his sister Connie, Michael welcomes the young man and allows him to adopt the Corleone name. However, a flirtatious attraction between Vincent and his cousin, Michael's naive daughter Mary develops, and threatens to develop into a full-fledged romance and undo the godfather's future plans.
Without a doubt, this was the weakest of the Godfather trilogy. Not that it was a bad film, but it just pales in comparison to the first two films which were classics. It was strange to watch the Mafia family try to become "legitimate" and turn its back on their past. The life of crime is what made the first two films so interesting and successful. I also question the casting for this film. Specifically, George Hamilton isn't someone I would have picked for that role and Sofia Coppola was horrible and awkward to watch. I spent a lot of time cringing while she was on the screen - I guess being the daughter of the director has its perks. As a stand-alone film, it's OK, but in the context of the other two Godfather films, it's not a must see.
Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
Would I watch it again: No
Starring: Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Andy Garcia, Sofia Coppola, Joe Mantegna, George Hamilton, Sofia Coppola
I typically watch movies on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while riding the ACE Train from Tracy to Santa Clara. The opinions expressed are those of me, myself and I.
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