107. Mario Puzo’s The Godfather, Coda: The Death Of Michael Corleone; movie review

 

MARIO PUZO'S THE GODFATHER, CODA: THE DEATH OF MICHAEL CORLEONE

Cert 15

158 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong bloody violence, language

It says much about Francis Ford Coppola's final instalment of The Godfather trilogy that I couldn't remember it until the final scenes.

The truth is that this was very much an after-thought - a movie which lacked both the detail and acting finesse of its predecessors.

That's not to say it is as bad as some have suggested - it just isn't brilliant and probably wasn't even necessary. 

How can you follow movies which star the likes of Marlon Brando, James Caan and John Cazale?

Sure, Al Pacino is still to the fore and Diane Keaton and Talia Shire are in support but neither Godfather debutants, Andy Garcia and Sophia Coppola, have equal gravitas to the aforementioned heavyweights.

This third instalment sees the Corleone story having moved on a decade or so with Michael (Pacino) at the head of the family firm.

However, he is now seeking redemption and, despite his sharp temper, wants to go legit.

He is even heavily involved with the Vatican to negotiate a deal for its business interests, supported by a new lawyer (George Hamilton).

Meanwhile, his nephew (Garcia) is a chip off the old Corleone block and sees an opportunity to become an old-fashioned enforcer or rise even higher.

He is not clear on whether it is a help or hindrance that Michael's teenage daughter (Sophia Coppola) is besotted with him.

Anyway, as Michael thirst for violence wanes, so it becomes unquenchable for his nephew who is determined to wrestle power away from rivals (Eli Wallach and Joe Mantegna).

Background knowledge is essential before watching this because it would make little sense without understanding the mindset of Michael and his family's standing.

However, once the viewer is immersed in the world of gangsters, backhanders and betrayals backed by the familiar soundtrack, it feels like warm, familiar territory.

Michael was a role that Pacino was born play and it is worth the entrance fee for him alone.

The movie also looks fantastic.

Reasons to watch: The climax of a classic trilogy

Reasons to avoid: Pales next to the originals

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 8/10

Did you know? Sofia Coppola was never supposed to be in the film but there were drop-outs by Julia Roberts (due to scheduling conflicts) Madonna (Ford Coppola ultimately decided she was too old) Rebecca Schaeffer (was murdered before her formal audition) Winona Ryder (suffered nervous exhaustion when she arrived to shoot in Rome).

The final word.  Andy Garcia: I was so privileged to be associated with it. I was so proud of being a part  of a trilogy of films that changed my life. I decided to pursue acting at the same time that I saw The Godfather, the first one. That's what I wanted to aspire to, and the fact that I ended up in the third instalment, the Coda, was a fulfilment of a dream." Screen Rant

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