Movie #232 - The Godfather: Part II

The Godfather: Part II
1974 - Rated R - 3 hr 20 min
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, John Cazale, Talia Shire, James Caan, Abe Vigoda, Danny Aiello

I probably remember this movie of the three best, and as a sequel, it certainly stands on its own.  The only sequel to win Best Picture at the Oscars, I think.  That's saying something, for sure.

So Michael Corleone is growing into his role, while we also flashback to 1901 and thereafter to see his father grow into his own role. At first, I didn't know why the flashbacks were here, but as the story progressed (leading to Michael's ultimate blood betrayal), I could understand why we see these two stories blended together in one movie.

And it's a looooooooooooong one too!  Two discs! Still, I really enjoyed the journey. Character-driven pieces like these (when they're well done) are always a treat.  And this family provides so many characters and so many interwoven tales, that I can see why this has become an iconic trilogy.

Movie #231 - The Godfather

The Godfather
1972 - Rated R - 2 hr 55 min
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Abe Vigoda, Talia Shire

I have to admit something shameful.  *Somehow* I made it to almost 30 without watching this movie sequentially. I don't know how this happened, but it did.  I've long thought I'd seen the movie, got the gist of it anyway, and then I watched it today.

It is so freakin' good. What the hell is wrong with me?

So I got sucked into the drama of this Italian mob family and I'm totally blown away by how young everyone freakin' is and how insane the plot of this darn thing is... holy cow! If only I could write something this complicated... Yeah, I've got a brand new respect for Mario Puzo and basically everyone who even breathed near this movie.

Sweet Jesus, that was good.  And man, I'm embarrassed that I have to admit this publicly. Geez!

Movie #223 - Get Smart

Get Smart
2008 - Rated PG-13 - 1 hr 50 min
Director: Peter Segal
Starring: Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, Alan Arkin, Terrence Stamp, Terry Crews, David Koechner, James Caan, Bill Murray, Patrick Warburton, Masi Oka

Another tribute to a TV show back in the day... but this reboot is blessed with the awkward comedy of Steve Carell.  He actually does a good job here, not too wacky, and comes out on top in the end.  The weird pairing of younger Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway) with his older Agent 86 is explained away as a cosmetic procedure done in the line of duty to make her look younger.  But I bet those kissing scenes were still awkward to shoot.

Meanwhile, I love Alan Arkin, who makes a great department head. And Dwayne Johnson's bad guy turn is done pretty well. All in all, a fun one to watch and a nice tribute to the original.

Movie #178 - Elf

Elf
2003 - Rated PG - 1 hr 37 min
Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Will Ferrell, Edward Asner, Bob Newhart, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, Zooey Deschanel, Peter Dinklage

Smiling may be my favorite, but this movie comes close.  It could so easily have been too much, but it's a perfect balance of real and fiction, belief and skepticism, with a side of maple syrup.

What makes this movie work, though, is Will Ferrell's utter committment to the role.  He buys into it completely, which makes it easier for us to get lost in the story of Buddy the Elf and his journey to New York City.  A half-assed performance wouldn't do the trick, and would have made the whole movie fall flat.  Thankfully, he's so excellent at this kind of thing, you half expect to be able to talk to narwals.

So even though Christmas is over, I still took much joy in being able to watch this one again.  Of all the elves in all the movies out there, Buddy is my favorite, hands down.