Rating: 
Summary: Why is this still being made on VHS
Review: That one star is for the format, not the movie. VHS is past it's prime and why a movie of this statue is being put out on it is beyond me.
Rating: 
Summary: The Greatest Movie of All Time.
Review: A movie of such size, influence, and power as "The Godfather" isn't simply a movie. It's a life-altering experience. Francis Ford Coppola, barely into his thirties, would team up with author Mario Puzo to create the greatest period gangster epic whose influence remains incalculable. It all begins with the performances. Take a look at the opening scene, in which the undertaker Bonasera comes to Vito (Marlon Brando) for "justice" following the brutal assault of his daughter. That scene is brilliantly played and wonderfully directed, and Brando's portrayal as the Don is nothing short of perfect. The public perception of a Don of this magnitude is someone who is loud, brash, and emotional. Not this one. Brando's Vito is calm, soft spoken, and rarely raises his voice, which makes his character even more intimidating. But while Brando shines in this film, the heart of the movie (and indeed the entire trilogy) belongs to the then-newcomer Al Pacino, who playes Vito's youngest son, Michael. Michael's transformation from a mild-mannered college grad to a ruthless Mafia thug is one of the greatest performances you will see. James Caan as the hotheaded Sonny, John Cazale as the dim Fredo, the suave Robert DuVall as attorney Tom Hagen, and Talia Shire as the troubled newlywed Connie all shine in their supporting roles. Reviewing a movie like "The Godfather" is a bit overwhelming, as it has already been studied by other, more experienced film geeks. But if there's one movie you see in your lifetime, it has to be this verified, straight-up classic. Give three hours of your life to this movie, and what it will give in return will reward you richly.
Rating:
Summary: Quite simply, the best movie ever made
Review: Whether it is Marlon Brando's voice, or James Caan writhing as he get riddled with bullets, or Al Pacino, cool as ice as he sits with McCluskey and the Turk, this movie is so good I cannot find one bad this to say about it.Bravo Mr. Coppola. p.s. I like the wine too... winks!!! ;)
Rating: 
Summary: Here's the thing about "The Godfather"
Review: Yes, it's a good movie, exploring the duality of not only organized crime members, but man in general. Nobody in this movie is a cliche (well, NOW they are, but they weren't then) - nobody is all good or all bad. But there are dozens of plot inconsistencies and you should either read the book itself or find a synopsis that will fill in the numerous blanks. Filmsite.org is my recommendation. You may, like me, wonder how Carlo knew that beating Connie would cause her to call Sonny, who races out of the house into the famous causeway scene. Is it possible that Bozzini is a psychic and knows exactly how the various characters will respond? The movie doesn't go into detail with this. Then there's the famous horse head in Wolz's bed - how did it get there without Wolz knowing? The acting in many of the characters is laughable by today's standards. Diane Keaton turns in the very worst performance of her career - her dialogue delivery is stilted and her naivete is unbelievable. Talia Shire plays Connie with all the hysteria and shrewishness she can muster. The men fare better with their performances, especially a young Robert Duvall as Tom Hagen. Plot inconsistencies and weak performances aside, you MUST see "The Godfather" at least once in your life. It's as much a part of our pop culture as Elvis or the Beatles. Come on, you didn't think that Tony Soprano was the first character to utter the phrase "sleeps with the fishes", did you? There are phrases and references from "The Godfather" that you will hear in every day conversation. Not being familiar with "The Godfather" is like not being familiar with the Bible. A must for every video collection, but get the extended version of the movie because it has additional scenes that really set the stage for events that would seem nonsensical otherwise.
Rating:
Summary: Good but flawed
Review: The Godfather is definately a masterpiece, but it isn't perfect like lots of people make it out to be. For one thing, Al Pacino's character's sudden transformation from a war hero who disapproves of his father's business tactics to a ruthless mob boss never quite sat right with me. I didn't feel like we saw enough of that transformation; what caused it, how it happened. I know the attempt on his father's life was supposed to be the "cause", but it never convinced me. Second, the female characters in the movie are written and acted horribly. They're portrayed as either stupid (Michael's girlfriend in Italy), or off-the-wall (Michael's sister), or simply background characters with nothing to say or do (Michael's mom, Michael's wife). There's no denying that The Godfather is a great American classic, but it's got it's flaws too.
Rating:
Summary: ...a movie you can't refuse.
Review: I shouldn't rewiew this movie. Everyone knows it's great. Great film reviewers have fallen all over themselves praising it as if it were some great Don whose favor they must curry if they know what's good for them. Far from the falsely annointed greatness of some other mob pics I won't mention, The Godfather deserves it's praise. It speaks clearly on the issues of power and family in a way that is both unprecedented and unsurpassed. It helped give America a new, more real identity. One where our illusions are no longer our allies.
Rating:
Summary: A classic.
Review: 'The Godfather' is without a doubt one of the best movies ever made. So few films can match its acting, writing, and storytelling. Watch it, you will rarely see a better film.
Rating:
Summary: The Greatest Film Ever Made
Review: This movie puts me at a loss for words. It works on so many different levels--it is both an epic family drama and a story about how power corrupts--that I just don't know where to start. The acting is incredibly, some of the best I have ever seen. Marlon Brando gives the performance of a lifetime as Don Veto Corleone, the family patriarch. But even better is Al Pacino, riveting and edgy as Corleone's son, Michael, who grows from an idealistic young man ashamed of his "family business" to the new godfather, a cold, harsh executioner. The cinematography is another element of the film which adds to the atmosphere and overall quality of the film. Using mostly eye-level camera angles and simple but profound shots that give the feeling of something made during the forties or fifties (at which time, the story is set), the camerawork perfectly captures the simplicity but importance of the message this film tells. The editing adds another dimension to Pacino and Brando's compelling performances. There are countless jump cuts, very short takes, very long takes, and an overall uneven, jumpy quality. On the other hand, Nino Rota's classical, mellow score balances out the unnerving performances and editing--much like the way the family drama keeps in balance the intense, gritty, violent scenes of organized crime in action. Particularly, the baptism scene is perhaps the most riveting, shockingly ironic sequence I have ever witnessed in cinema. This is the greatest film I have ever seen, and it gets better and better with each repeated viewing.
Rating:
Summary: Enter a World of Exclusive, High-Society "Family" Men....
Review: There is nothing more important than your Family.... What would you do to Support them? What would you do to Provide for them? How can you Protect them...from the Evils of the world? Decisions, Decisions.... See how one man's Decisions lead to the creation of a "Family" of organized men who are at-odds with Society, The Police, The FBI...and each-other. A World within our world, yet completely outside of it--a world you cannot enter, unless you can drop the right name. I remember snippets of this film, from TV airings, as a teenager. Those images, saved in a backlog file in my brain, never really inspired me to rent this film. However, recent conversations led to me purchasing this movie and viewing it with Rapt Attention! I had no idea! The TV commercials for the movie did not do it justice. I thought it would be a long, slow, boring flick that you just sit-through to say you have seen it. WRONG ! This movie is Action-packed, from beginning to end! I had to rewind scenes and watch them Twice! Could Anyone have played The Godfather, other-than Brando (and, later, DeNiro)? I cannot imagine anyone-else playing this role.... Another review said that these people were born to play these parts. I agree. You will get lines stuck in your head, that you cannot unthink: "Leave the Gun....Take the Cannoli." You will also understand movies like "Robinhood, Men in Tights." I've watched that movie twice, never understanding the Dom DeLouise scene, until I watched The Godfather. This movie is not-only a Classic, it is an EXCITING Classic. Please, do not make my mistake, though! Get them ALL, before you start watching them! If you only get Godfather I, you will feel strangely compelled to run for the local video store, when the movie ends. Pile them all up and make a weekend of it. Godfather II is a little slow and dark, but is WELL-WORTH watching and Important for understanding III, which is Astounding. This series is definitely on my "Top Ten" List!
Rating:
Summary: Great story and fine acting. A winner!
Review: Great acting by Marlon Brando, James Caan and Al Pacino. Realistic and believable story. Highly moral story too, with universal appeal about the choices that a person in power has to make and how it changes his character. Good screenplay. There was a scene where Al Pacino is the godfather to his sister's child. He's standing in church with the baby and the priest is chanting religious words about such things as resisting the power of Satan. While this is going on the scene changes back and forth to the murders that are taking place at that very moment due to Al Pacino's orders. The authenticity of detail was outstanding, giving specificity to the setting and to the individuals. Each character was unique and interesting. And the dialogue had enough of an edge to feel real. No wasted words, no wasted action. This video definitely enhanced my experience of the book. The only funny thing is that I had a picture in my mind of what Michael Corelone should look like, and it wasn't Al Pacino. I had pictured this character taller and beefier, with a face that had been distorted by a bullet. But I really did love this video and highly recommend it. As a matter of fact, now I want to see the rest of the series.
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