10 Films That Prove The Middle Entry In A Trilogy Is Always The Best
2. The Godfather Part II (1974)
Taking the story of an aging patriarch of an organised crime family, Francis Ford Coppola turned it into one of the most celebrated films in cinematic history. Endlessly quotable dialogue, infamous set pieces, Al Pacino in a career-launching role, and the Don himself, Marlon Brando, make this a bona fide American classic. Two years later, Coppola did the impossible. He improved upon perfection. Part II is a flawless and expertly crafted look at the Corleone family past and present as Coppola intertwines the rise to power of Vito Corleone and the consequences of holding on to that power as a ruthless Michael Corleone becomes colder and colder. It may not have Brando and the glamour of set pieces like the toll-booth hit but it does have DeNiro stalking Don Fennucci across the rooftops, the tragic Fredo, the abortion, Havana and Hyman Ross in a complex expansion of the world first seen in Part I. Almost sixteen years later, Al Pacino and Coppola return to finish the story. In Part III Michael has to deal with the consequences of the choices he made as the next generation grow up. It may not be as good as the first two but it's still a very good film that completes the arc of America's first family of crime. Trilogy Low Point: No one can claim Part III, despite its merits, is anywhere near as good as Parts I & II. No Tom Hagen and Sophia Coppola proving directing is in her future rather than acting seal the deal. Did you Know?... Lee Strasberg came out of retirement to play Hyman Roth. He agreed to do it after a 45-minute meeting with Francis Ford Coppolas father, Carmine. Rumours are Lee was made an offer he couldn't refuse
