The Godfather Part II (1974) Movie Review

Synopsis:

Crime boss Don Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) expands the Corleone criminal empire to different regions. These range from Miami to Havana, Cuba.

Review:

The Godfather Part II has the same striking visuals and performances as the first film. It also has the same methodical pacing as the first film.

Given its over 3-hour runtime, this film contains even more plot threads and locations.

This film's main focus is the rise and fall of Michael Corleone. The Godfather Part II also draws attention to Vito Corleone’s upbringing.

Portrayed by the veteran actor Robert De Niro, these sections act as a period piece.

For context, these scenes detail Vito’s rise to power in New York City.

Marlon Brando is not as present in this film, which some fans may express disappointment with.

Despite this, De Niro embodies Brando’s mannerisms to good effect.

This is a testament to De Niro’s skills as an actor. He also speaks a native Sicilian dialect throughout the film for authenticity.

As usual, Al Pacino is a commanding presence as Michael Corleone. This is clear through his acting ability and facial expressions.

Scenes with his older brother Frederico 'Fredo' (John Cazale) and his wife Kay (Diane Keaton) showcase Pacino’s acting skills.

These are more than evident in the film’s second half.

Also returning in this film is Michael’s advisor and friend, Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall). Duvall gives yet another consistent performance.

As with the film’s plot, The Godfather Part II contains many moving pieces.

These involve Michael’s family and his losing battle against fellow crime families.

It is evident that the more the film progresses, the more these moving pieces begin to fit together.

As with the first, this film’s pacing and approach to dialogue may be too methodical for some.

Despite this, the film’s performances should help compensate for this approach.

Also, the film’s striking and atmospheric visuals should captivate audiences enough to invest them in the proceedings.

For context, the first film depicted New York City and Sicily.

With The Godfather Part II, the film focuses on locations such as Cuba's capital, Havana, and Miami. This variety of locales makes for some striking shots.

It’s used to depict Havana’s treacherous streets and Miami’s sun-soaked palm trees.

Also complementing the visuals is returning composer Nino Rota’s classical score.

Nino’s main theme for The Godfather is present in this sequel. Despite its welcome return, it is not focused on as much compared to its predecessor.

Either way, Nino’s score provides many good moments that should please fans of his previous work.

Conclusion:

Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather Part II does everything a sequel should. This includes expanding on the characters, locations, and scope of the story.

As a whole, The Godfather Part II's consistent performances should please most fans.

This is despite the film’s methodical dialogue approach, and its pacing may prove difficult for some.

This is on full display from the film's two main actors, Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.

As expected, both actors give it their all and command the viewers’ attention at every moment.

Other supporting actors, such as Robert Duvall and John Cazale, also help to complement Al Pacino’s Michael.

Francis Ford Coppola's signature visual style also returns for The Godfather Part II.

As a result, the film contains the same striking location shots as the first film.

Nino Rota’s score also complements the film. Despite the use of his signature theme, it is not emphasized as much as in the previous film.

As a whole, The Godfather II is a strong sequel that expands on its predecessor. As a result, it gives audiences more reason to invest in Michael Corleone’s story.

For fans of the previous film, The Godfather Part II is more than recommended.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 8.5/10

Story - 8/10

Pacing - 7/10

Visuals - 8.5/10

Soundtrack - 7.5/10

Overall score: 7.9 out of 10