EARLY ACCESS: The Godfather

I have tried with the Godfather, but yeah...Godfather 2 is better. IMO Goodfellas is a more engaging movie about the mob.

Louise Brooks

I liked it in my 20s, but I'm a huge film nerd. I'm skeptical II would go any better for her, since she did not seem especially interested in Michael's downfall, and II is so focused on that.

Tyler Foster

I kinda saw this movie the first time as a preteen and didn’t get into it obviously. I saw it as an older teen - still didn’t grab me. In my early/mid twenties, it started to grow on me. By the time I hit thirty, I was all into it. The majority of the youngest people I know who like the film are people in their early to mid forties like me. I also noticed that more men than women like the film. That’s just been my personal experience and observation. Ashleigh, you should watch Godfather Part 2 though. Both are classics and 2 is better. You get a back story in Part 2.

C. A.

We find out, at least partially, what happens with Sonny's "side ho" in part 3, but it's safe to skip that one.

Alexander Fish

I would encourage you to watch part 2 as the two movies tell the full story of the original novel.

Alexander Fish

I've always avoided this movie because I've never been a fan of the genre and I felt like I already knew the story from pop culture osmosis, so watching your review gave me just enough to be confident in my earlier decisions. To each their own! I can see cinematically how it's so popular, but it's not for me.

Keri Parmeter

Hi Ashleigh, I was also never a fan of this film nor the gangster film/tv genre, TBH. But can appreciate it being important cinematically for the time period. I just wanna say regardless of you liking or not liking any film you review, you're always super fun to watch and I always just love your reactions, you Crack me up and I appreciate your authenticity. So thank you, and keep up the great content, you're killing it! 🙂(Just realized my reply was posted to the wrong thread so fixing it!)

Laura Neary Smith

I had a similar view when I thought, "I don't see why people think this is one of the greatest movies of all time... like for what?" But I did like it more, possibly because I broke it up into two viewing sessions. And I'm a little more into movies that are slow and story focused. But even liking this kind of movie, it makes no sense why it's held in THAT high a regard. Good movie. I'll give it that. But only that.

Robert Reichle

Personally I think this is one of the greatest films ever made, but I understand not everything is for everyone. That said, much respect for trying new things even if you think you might not like them.

Adolfo Acosta

You know she's working hard to find those moments when "I really like that lamp" type stuff makes it into the highlights.

Kenton Kruger

i also have never had any interest in watching The Godfather. I get it's a classic but not my genre or style at all. - waits patiently for sister act or Beverly hills cop to come into the mix

Elisa H.

Agreed! I love that Ashleigh gives everything a fair chance and starts each movie with an open mind. Her reviews are genuine and I appreciate her ability to find moments she does enjoy within movies that aren't her favorites.

Lynnetta

Congratulations on succeeding in this movie! While I feel many of us who support you will agree that not all movies fit all audiences, your commitment is exemplary. It is easy to see that there are a lot of moments you clearly appreciated of this one, the majority of the movie may not have been a good fit for you. That being said, this movie is highly praised and renowned for its use of color, lighting, blocking and presence of scene and has been a go to for many years by film students around the world. Many students have pulled details from this movie alone as inspiration and for its early creativity since its release. If you stay committed to your promise in reviewing movies presented to you by the community, chances are you will again run into similar entries of this genre. While some are better than others, keep an open mind and we will continue to support you.😊

Ullatec

I watched a docuseries released by Netflix recently about the take down of the organized crime families in NYC in the 1980's. It was fascinating! I was born in '79 and had no idea how bad things were in NYC in the 80's. I forget the title of the docuseries. *Something* City, I think.

Lynnetta

Ashleigh, this movie has been a favorite of mine since I was a young teen 30+ years ago. In my opinion, you have every right to not be into it and/or find it slow. It's an opinion just like mine. It's all fine.

Matt O'Keefe

Also has James Caan as Spuds Spaldoni.

Bill Bevins

The only mob movie I can recommend to Ashleigh now is Dick Tracy— Warren Beatty’s passion project. It has pretty colors, fun musical numbers sung by younger Madonna, and ugly crooks (each named after their unique disfigurement). Very few Italian tropes and stereotypes (for a change)

Fatty Boombatty

Part of the problem many younger fans have with the film is that they aren't as familiar with the genre and the history. The mafia from 1880-1980 in the United States wielded an incredible amount of power, especially after Capone and Luciano formed the National Crime Syndicate during Prohibition (Bringing the Five Families of New York and the Chicago Outfit together). Hell, the US Military worked with the Mafia in WWII because they needed their help in Sicily and Italy! The younger generations taking over in the 90's didn't keep the strict discipline of the Old Guard and the organizations started to fall apart. John Gotti was one of the last of that kind and he went to Federal Prison in after being betrayed by an underboss working as a snitch. In the 70's when this film was made, they were still very much a force to be reckoned with. During the time the film is set, they were at the heyday of their power in the country. The sheer scope of the film is a lot to take in without a little bit of background and a cheat sheet. 1. There are five major families that control organized crime in the United States. (The story changes the names, but they are loosely the same) They are based primarily in New York and Chicago, with smaller "satellite" families related to the larger ones in other cities such as Milwaukee, St. Paul, Detroit, Philadelphia, Boston, New Orleans, and others. What we saw in this film in Las Vegas represented expansion further West towards California. 2. The Corleone Family is one of the most powerful of the Five Families, and the head of that family is Vito Corleone (The Don, or "The Godfather"). Vito has three biological sons Santino ("Sonny"), Frederico ("Fredo"), and Michael, and one daughter Constanzia ("Connie"). Vito took in a friend of Sonny's, a young Irish boy named Tom Hagen, and informally adopted him. Santino is the heir to the Corleone family, and Tom is the "Consiglieri", or primary counselor. 3. The film starts just as Michael has returned from WWII after fighting on both the Pacific and European fronts as a Marine. He was wounded in combat after earning the Silver Star Award and the Navy Cross. His heroics got him featured on the cover of Life Magazine (which was a BIG deal back then!), and he returns home just in time for his sisters wedding to Carlo Rizzi. Not sure how much more sense this film would have made with this information going in. This movie is actually Part 1 of the novel of the same name by Mario Puzo. "The Godfather, Part 2" is literally the second part of the book, where they jump a bit back and forth in time to show how Vito became "The Don", and what happens with Michael and Kaye after the events of this film.

Sean Novack

Yeah I remember that! No one gave that movie enough love. It was up against Interview With The Vampire & Shaun of The Dead.

Gio Vidrio

Also would like to give a shout out to the great character actor John Marley who played Jack Woltz the movie producer...he also appeared in the 1977 demonic automobile movie "The Car" which I mention only because I recall seeing it on a Hallobeans poll

Paul Johnson

Don't know but I hope soon...in my case they will be perfect to watch while on the treadmill

Paul Johnson

Be honest, it’s always a little weird. Lol

Jerrod Acree

Agreed, many thanks to our kind host Ashleigh. I appreciate you indulging our collective whims and treasure your gift to us by allowing us to view our favorite memories through fresh eyes. Have yourself a wonderful time with the next film and give Beans a belly rub of thanks from me please. (Is that troweling it on a bit thick? Eh, it's true so I'll run with it.)

T.J. Gengler

I'm surprised no one has requested "Dog Day Afternoon", "Scarface" or "Carlito's Way" (awaits bludgeoning):)

Paul Johnson

Good call. That might be the best mobster fit for Ashleigh

Ken

Had to make a whole new comment because some people can’t handle I’m a 1/4 Sicilian on my grandmother’s side apparently. Yes to GOODFELLAS, CASINO, & A BRONX TALE. Way better movies and more entertaining IMO. Also, let’s give it up for Ash for sitting through another doozy. This is on some E.T level. 🙌🏼😂

Gio Vidrio

I totaly understand Ashleigh, The Godfather is boring, not exciting to watch. But then again, this is not my kind a genre. The only "Mafia movie" I like is The Untouchables.

People keep throwing GOODFELLAS and CASINO around and make no mistake, I consider these to be very good films which I have watched multiple times. Can we get a little love for A BRONX TALE though?

T.J. Gengler

The Godfather is one of those movies I think is very good and I see why it's so well regarded, but I also have zero desire to sit through it a second time

Ken

yes that's James Caan from Misery in this. I like this movie but does move really slow. understandable. way better gangster movies are Goodfellas and Casino. seriously worth checking out.

stephen phillips

Also there are many great crime/suspense movies from the 70s that are 2 hours or less...hint hint lol....and I agree with the previous post about Goodfellas it is epic but moves along much faster I think you'd like it

Paul Johnson

Sorry that you didn't like it....I thought the wonderful cinematography/atmosphere and great performances would cancel out the long run time...also Sonny was played by James Caan who was Paul Sheldon in "Misery"....and 1 more thing the character of Moe Greene was played by Alex Rocco whose real name was Alex "Bobo" Petricone who was from Somerville MA and grew up in the same neighborhood/was friends with my Dad and his siblings

Paul Johnson

Yeah, it is long and not as good as many will make it to be. Very nice acting though, especially from Marlon Brando and Al Pacino. Defintaley not a "watch again movie". I agree with the previous statement about Godfellas. That is a really good one, and faster paced.

Daniel Örtoft

I use to like the movies. However I recently tried to watch all 3 recently and they all drag on so long. I’m not sure why they have to be so long. Some movies earn it. But done like this are just too long. It didn’t hold p in a second viewing for me.

Robert Gruhn

Sorry you didn't like the Godfather, I probably should've guessed you wouldn't like it. I think you would like Goodfellas, better. It moves along faster.

Michael Waldrep

"That guy looks familiar" Yea, Al Pacino tends to look familiar. 😄

Andy H.

Have you seen True Romance? Written by Quinten Tarantino, so don’t let the name fool ya. The biggest, most memorable part about the movie is the part about Sicilians. It’s great.

Fatty Boombatty

Yeah I know, we ARE living in hell right now aren’t we??? A dystopian future just an inch or two away from a zombie apocalypse! The beginning of the video was all about VOTING. Additionally, you think there’s no politics in the world of gangsters? Shoulda just watched THE JERK

Fatty Boombatty

However, the old 1977 hobbit cartoon is better than those new movies, because it stayed faithful to the book. The music is quite charming, the fairytale simplicity was refreshing (looking back) because the main point was not leading up to ANOTHER epic battle sequence. In the new one, Bilbo doesn’t seem to be the main focus of the story at all.

Fatty Boombatty

I personally watched this for the first time like seven months ago. And I liked it. It was decent. Then I watched the second one and LOVED IT. yes, the first one kinda makes mob life look kinda great (as long as you’re on the side that wins), part 2 shows just how terrible it is. I thought the two of them combined were excellent and I don’t regret a minute I spent watching them.

Amy Silknitter

Yes, please no politics. I enjoy this because I can get away from it.

Mo Vetta

Why is it such a classic? Back in the day, The Godfather must have been the equivalent of the way Lord of the Rings is looked at today— the biggest ever fantasy genre epic based on the beloved book trilogy. They raised the bar. Before that, most fantasy movies were low-effort and shitty (even the previous versions of LOTR in cartoon form). But when the bar is raised, better quality stuff starts coming out. Godfather might be slowly becoming another old man’s movie. But old men don’t think that way. I think Scarface and Goodfellas/ Casino are more relatable to the younger crowd.

Fatty Boombatty

Please let's not bring politics into this community. I get the joke you are trying to make and have no problem with it personally, but you never know who can get triggered by political statements. Donald Trump really is a jerk and Joe Biden mumbles as badly as Don Corleone.

Bill Bevins

I would agree that Ashleigh would likely enjoy JOHNNY DANGEROUSLY. I wouldn't call it a mobster movie any more than I'd truly call Mel Gibson's MAVERICK a western, They're both just (very funny) comedies with actors/friends goofing around in front of cameras in period costumes. There's nothing wrong with that and I would hope that Ashleigh might watch either or both of these films as some point.

T.J. Gengler

Marlon Brando is my favorite actor. But any day of the week, I prefer YOUNG Brando. I don’t care how popular this movie is! Stop glorifying the mob! And organized crime. It’s like a power fantasy— watching people kill other people over drugs or money, revenge or whatever. If Donald Trump is THE JERK, and Joe Biden is THE Godfather... the wrong choice won. There must have been some fake votes in there 😅😅😅 and then the media said THE MOST SECURE ELECTION EVER!!!

Fatty Boombatty

@Jill - Nope, you're certainly not alone in not seeing what all the fuss and frenzy is about with this film. Still, as tedious as I find this film, I do have it give it it's just praise. It's beautifully and artfully filmed with a glorious sense of atmospheric.... presence, I suppose is the word I want. It works very well in setting the scene and making us a part of that world in that time and place. Aside from one or two of the minor support roles, the acting is top notch. Any student of film history basically has to have a working knowledge of this film just to understand how truly seminal it was. Ian Jones above was right, this film defined the ART of film making for decades. With all that being said, I suspect that a sharper hand with the editing knife would have helped. Less atmosphere, more substance would have helped. That's just my opinion, accept, reject or ignore as you like. I do hope you'll watch GF2 partly because I agree with ROG above. I prefer it to the original although that's not saying much. You should also watch it because it seems to have a strong following here and if you don't then those who are passionate about it will grumble about "Millennials" until the end of time.

T.J. Gengler

I haven't gotten around to watching any of The Godfather movies, but it's my understanding the 2nd one is better. If I ever get around to watching either of them it'll just be so I can say I did. Scarface is probably more geared towards younger generations and is a great film. As far as mobster films go, I think Johny Dangerously is the one you'd love, and I'm sure many would back me up on that.

Matt Gwinn

I don't think that's a fair comment. She did love Shawshank, so it's not all about explosions and CGI.

Kenton Kruger

Saw these films once and never again - mobster films are just not my bag. A couple of fun takes on the mobster film are Married to the Mob with Michelle Pfeiffer and My Blue Heaven with Steve Martin. Might want to consider watching those sometime down the road. I think you would enjoy those much more and neither one is three hours long.

Cristina Collins-Armstrong

Surprised you didn't like it. Older movies, especially epic ones, take time to establish characters and this movie has a lot of characters. They also try to tell story instead of bashing your face in with constant CGI, car chases and explosions. I guess millennials have to have sensory overload constantly to enjoy a movie. I read the book before the movie came out. It helped to understand the movie better. It's OK that you didn't like this movie, but I am disappointed that you will probably not watch Godfather 2 now.

Bill Bevins

I am so glad I am not alone. Thank you so much! This movie is great when I can't sleep; works better than melatonin.

Jill Peterson

I agree the Godfather is a tough movie to follow, but if you watch Godfather II, it will make more sense... and its a much better movie IMO

ROG

I just joined the Beans level this week. When does Ashleigh send the full reaction out?

Bill Bevins

Yeah I’m not the biggest fan of gangster and mob movies but it’s worth at least one watch I’ve seen all 3... but part 2 is better but none are in my top 10

Dylan

This film’s epic scope, acting style, and subject matter was so groundbreaking at the time that boomers and gen-xers like me can’t help but see it as a major classic. But I can see how a millennial might see it as tedious as all of the things that made it hugely influential are status quo now, from Scorsese to Tarantino, to the Sopranos.

Ian Jones

Think of how movies were made in 1972, especially how violence was portrayed. Even by today's standards the brutality was filmed VERY realistically. Not overly dramatized, it was cutting edge. It's one of my favorite films, though I can't say I ENJOY watching it as much as I APPRECIATE watching it.

Brent Fugett

A major part of why The Godfather was so popular and well-known is that it was one of the first modern gangster epics. Now there are many mob movies and TV shows as operatic and sweeping and epic as The Godfather, but the beauty of it, which you mentioned, and the scope of it, those were groundbreaking at the time.

Tyler Foster

It is a slow film at times. You either like it or you don't lol.

Michael Johnson