The Godfather: Part III

The fourth star was squeezed out by the camera, because otherwise this family drama, which you can totally decode within an hour and you know exactly where it's going, has little to do with the mafia theme. Sadly, it's the takeover of the reins from the initially uncouth redneck Andy Garcia that makes it clear that the Corleone family corporation is effectively dead, because even distinguished behavior, an expensive jacket, and four liters of motor oil in his hair can't hide his true origins and violent nature. (2012-03-12)

A brilliant conclusion to this unforgettable series. I don't know why, but I had mixed feelings about the third film before watching it, as I wasn't sure if it would maintain the quality of the previous installments. But now I acknowledge that I was completely wrong. Francis Ford Coppola directed everything to ensure the film reached that perfect level again and didn't merely serve as a sidekick to the first two films. Al Pacino once again confirmed that he was likely born for the role of a mobster, as his performance here is breathtaking. I still can't understand how he didn't win that golden statue at least once. I must also commend his makeup, especially at the end of the film when he had aged significantly. This was Andy Garcia's first appearance, and I think he portrayed the hot-blooded character inherited from his father Sonny excellently. I found his character quite likable. Joe Mantegna also appeared in the film, and his role as the villainous gangster suited him very well. The atmosphere and music, as in the previous two films, gave me goosebumps at times. The conclusion was a dignified end to this trilogy, but I still felt a bit sad at the end, knowing that one saga has come to a close, one that probably no one will ever replicate. Coppola, thank you for this experience. I give it 90%. (2016-12-28)

I was the most worried about the last Godfather. After all, continuing the story so many years later is unusual and raises some concerns. A huge time shift in the story, the ageing of the main characters, and so forth. However, my fears were unjustified because the script is tightened to the last detail and doesn't lose any of the atmosphere of the previous films, but it pushes the plot all the way to 1978. Al Pacino is brilliant again as Don Michael, and Andy Garcia is great in the supporting role. The breathtaking Corleone saga comes to an end, and all we have left are the memories. (2006-10-08)

For me personally, the best part of the trilogy. Coppola finally brought some dynamics and tension into it, which was missing for me in the first two parts. Bridget Fonda and especially Andy Garcia, who was rightfully nominated for an Oscar, also helped a lot. The ending was truly heart-stopping. (2004-05-10)

"Real power can't be given. It must be taken." Is returning to the subject matter sixteen years later just flogging a dead horse? No, not at all. Although The Godfather III can’t equal its predecessors, it is still so much better than most other movie productions that it is impossible to give it less than a full set of stars. And the closing half hour is the best passage of the entire trilogy. A marvelous (and again unforgettable) ending to this family saga. (2007-01-15)