...because we all know, just like Rocky V, the third Godfather didn't exist. You never heard of it. It never happened. You hear me?
Because Sofia Coppola may be able to direct, but she can't act her way out of that nose.
But anyway, these two movies always go together. You buy the boxed set. Its like... pasta and sauce. Cappuccino and a little sambuca. (Or, if you're my grandmother, a lot of sambuca... j/k! We always pour more in than she wants.)
I don't really have to say much about the Godfather set. You know it. You've all seen it. It has an amazing cast of actors and the time is taken to tell the story of an excellent book, which I read as well. If you haven't seen it in a little while, spend an afternoon with it on a rainy Saturday. While you're watching, don't hesitate to stick two pieces of bread in your cheeks and do your own Brando.
I bring this set up, which should be on everyone's list, because I was reminded of Sonny Corleone the other night. James Caan does a terrific job as the headstrong, short tempered eldest son of the Don. Remember what he does to Connie's husband for hitting her? Well, I'm walking along 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn the other night and this couple is crossing the street. The car waiting at the corner beeps them along as the light changes to green.
The guy whips around and says, "What's your f*cking problem?"
The driver responds, "Get the f*ck out of the street."
Obviously, he didn't know he was dealing with Sonny... this guy basically takes off, without hesitation, down the street running after the car on foot. The next line is classic:
"Get out of that car so I can bitch slap you!"
That's vintage Sonny as far as I'm concerned. It was at that moment that I fully realized I was back in Brooklyn.
But look where it got him. Sonny never made it and the quiet youngest brother that was destined to be "a senator" winds up taking over the family business. But that's ok, because they're moving to Vegas and going legit.
Right?
This movie is nothing short of an epic. Its the Italian immigrant's version of King Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table. Because its not just about the movie. Its about everyone's version of the movie in their own lives. Now its an overplayed stereotype, but these people were like royalty at one time and there was a story to be told long before the movie came out. Where they criminals? Sure. Did they have the respect and devotion of their communities more so than elected politicians? You bet.
You know, I think its interesting how every ethnic backround has its own underworld element, with its own style and relationship to the rest of the community. We always see this mafia thing as "protective" as oppossed to parasitic, but you never know whether or not that's the media spin. I think that would be an interesting study.
As for the movie? That's an interesting study in itself. But remember, leave the gun. Take the canoli.