Movie review: The Godfather

Organized-crime is a thriving business and Vito Corleone is on top of the world, until a rival family tries to kill him. Barely surviving the attack, Vito's son Michael steps in to take over the family business and seek revenge for the attack on his father.

Marlon Brando (Vito), Al Pacino (Michael), James Caan (Sonny), Richard Castellano (Clemenza), Robert Duvall (Tom), Sterling Hayden (Capt. McCluskey), John Marley (Woltz), Diane Keaton (Kay), Abe Vigoda (Tessio).

With a stellar cast and storyline The Godfather is an intricate story that takes a deeper look into an organized-crime family. The plot is detailed and broad painting a big picture of crime, as well as bringing us into the drama and emotions of a well organized crime family. The result is a film that engages the audience on several levels and holds interest well.

Acting was quite simply wonderful with this cast of stars. Brando delivered very well and truly felt like a mob boss. Pacino, young as he was here, did nicely with good delivery and emotion. Caan and Duvall, also quite young, both showed their skills here supporting the main characters very well. The remainder of the cast with few exceptions was very good.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were all nicely done in this apparent big-budget film. Action scenes are good but are also showing some age. Amazingly, old as this film is, it still feels timely when viewing. Dialogue was enjoyable with nice detail and great depth. Sound and soundtrack were nicely done.

I'm not a big fan of crime films nor am I fascinated by organized-crime but The Godfather quite simply is a must-see film. The cast, technical work, and storyline make this a timeless classic that you should see if you haven't.

With violence, foul language, and nudity save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 1972
Reviewed: 1.12.16
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Crime Drama, Mobster films, Classics, Period Pieces, Movies based on books

copyright ©2016 Dave Riedel