Godfather Coda: The Death of Godfather 3

​Well, not be outdone by Zack Snyder, Francis Ford Coppola releases a new version of Godfather 3, titled Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone. And trimming 20 minutes from the original and restructuring the opening does wonders to what many consider to be a problematic entry into the series. 
 
First things first. Let’s get something out on the family dining table right away. Sophia is not that bad. She isn’t great and perhaps we were spoiled by other female performances in the previous films, but she is not that bad either. The success or failure of this film never rested on her shoulders. So, let’s give that a rest. Pick her up and drop her in another film, say Heathers, and she would have been outstanding. We have been unfair and owe her an apology.
 
Well, I’m waiting for your apology. Whenever you’re ready.
 
The biggest change I noted is the exposition offered by one George Hamilton. This made all the difference to me between the first and second version. In the first, the tanned one himself, does next to nothing, simply standing there grinning in all of his tanned glory. In the second, he gets dialogue, real dialogue, exposition even, that helps support the entire film. George without dialogue is off-putting and annoying. George with dialogue, especially exposition, is brilliant. As a cigar-smoking, leering uber businessman, calculating the takeover the world’s financial institutions, his presence becomes more than necessary. 

​Who'd have thunk it?
 

​All of the performances by the regulars remain stellar and the addition of Eli Wallach, Andy Garcia and Joe Mantegna all add new muted colors to the Copolla’s tapestry. But it’s in the little details where this movie shines. Take a look at Garcia’s mother. Does she look familiar? I thought she might. That is Sonny’s mistress, actress Lucy Mancini, from the infamous wedding scene from the original Godfather. These are the little things that I love about these movies. After all, this is fundamentally a film about family.