THE GODFATHER: PART III (Theatrical Release USA 1990)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Godfather: Part III—the final chapter of the Godfather trilogy saga—goes out with a flare and a bang. Al Pacino is still the Godfather; but picks up all the pieces of the last two films, kills those hurting Corleone interests, and makes the best of the situation as he sees it. This film stands as one of the three greatest mafia movies of the 70s and 90s decades.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

After a lifetime of mafia involvement, Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) desires to clean up his life by tying up loose ends.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Francis Ford Coppola for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Fred Fuchs and Nicholas Gage for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Kay Adams Michelson (Diane Keaton), Connie Corleone Rizzi (Talia Shire), Vincent Mancini (Andy Garcia), Don Altobello (Eli Wallach), Joey Zasa (Joe Mantegna), B.J. Harrison (George Hamilton), Grace Hamilton (Bridget Fonda), Mary Corleone (Sofia Coppola), Cardinal Lamberto (Raf Vallone), Anthony Vito Corleone (Franc D’Ambrosio), and Archbishop Gilday (Donal Donnelly).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Another worthy film by Francis Ford Coppola completes the Godfather series with finesse and style. Bravo to all involved in creating three of the best gangster movies ever made.

Video Critique Available Here:

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Ben Meyers

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY (Theatrical Release USA 1967)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly—never gets old—spices itself with treacherousness, violence, and a bit of comedy along its path toward becoming one of the best westerns ever conceived and executed. Sergio Leone brands this film and clears the path for additional Spaghetti westerns. This is not for children, but it is for the older teen and up with some violence and language. Kudos for especially powerful, suspenseful ending scenes. Great work for everyone involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Blondie (Clint Eastwood) works to find his share of confederate gold.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Sergio Leone for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Alberto Grimaldi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Tuco (Eli Wallach), Sentenza/Angel Eyes (Lee Van Cleef), Alcoholic Union Captain (Aldo Giuffrè), Father Pablo Ramirez (Luigi Pistilli), Maria (Rada Rassimov), Storekeeper (Enzo Petito), Mexican Peon (Claudio Scarchilli), Sheriff (John Bartha), Baker (Livio Lorenzon), and Jackson/Bill Carson (Antonio Casale).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is a bona fide, rewatchable classic western.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

HOW THE WEST WAS WON (Theatrical Release World-Wide 1962)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì

How the West Was Won—western movie that pulls itself into a classic  status—accesses the talents of Debbie Reynolds, Gregory Peck, Carol Baker, James Stewart, George Peppard, Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Richard Widmark, Andy Devine, Eli Wallach, and Walter Brennen. Watch for John Wayne as General William Tecumseh Sherman  It’s an all-star movie with an all-star cast. There is no lack here. A very good watch for the western audience and general audiences. It has not lost its entertainment value despite its age. Worth watching and still worth an addition to the home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A story of major elements that moved from east coast to west coast with a nice tie-in at the movie’s end to show how, in a few short years after that, America emerged on the shoulders of those men and women who moved through the frontier, each with their own stories to tell. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Directors Henry Hathaway, John Ford, and George Marshall for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Bernard Smith for making the film possible. Cast includes: Carroll Baker, Lee Cobb, Henry Fonda, Carolyn Jones, Karl Malden, Gregory Peck, George Peppard, Robert Preston, Debbie Reynolds, James Stewart, and Eli Wallach. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie still shines as a classic western. Thank you to all involved in its production.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers