1972 was an important year on the historic and pop culture side.
Historic Side
- Watergate Scandal commenced exposing Richard Nixon’s secrets causing him to resign two years later.
- American soldiers continue to fight for our country during the Vietnam War since 1965 until it officially ended in 1975.
- Terrorists killed 11 Israeli athletes in the Munich Olympics.
- Apollo 16-17 were NASA’s final space missions.
- J. Edgar Hoover kicked the bucket.
Pop Culture Side
- HBO was born.
- Sanford and Son” aired on NBC.
- Popeyes first opened.
- New Products like Pibb Xtra, McMuffin & Snapple.
- The Miami Dolphins won the Super Bowl.
- Atari released an early video game, “PONG.”
- Ghost Rider/Johnny Blaze, Luke Cage & Swamp-Thing/Alec Holland made their comic book debuts.
- Rock bands including Blue Oyster Cult, Steely Dan & The Eagles released their debut albums.
- Dick Clark hosted the very first New Year’s Eve countdown in New York City.
One film in particular became a touchstone in cinema history. None other than “The Godfather”Let’s rewind the clock back to when it’s first conceived. Mario Puzo the book in 1969. Immediately became bestseller. Paramount Pictures bought the film rights. At first, Puzo refuses to turn his work into a film. Due to financial difficulties, he accepts a paycheck under one condition. Be involved in the screenplay. It’s a long story. If you wanna check out further details, check out behind-the-scenes history of The Godfather or watch the mini-series, “The Offer” on Paramount Plus.
The Godfather received unanimous praise from critics and movie goers alike. In addition acclaim, it became the highest-grossing film of the year. Marlon Brando won his second Oscar for “Best Actor.” However, he didn’t attend in person. He sent a Native American woman to speak to the audience why he didn’t show up. He was displeased on the way Native Americans were portrayed as stereotypes. Anyway, The Godfather won “Best Adapted Screenplay” & “Best Picture.”
Two Years Later, a sequel also earned critical acclaim and box office success. Ultimately winning Picture.” In 1990, a third and final entry to “The Godfather Trilogy” ended on a whimper.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. That’s right, I’m many people like fellow movie critic BloggedByEric a chance to see this epic crime drama.
Powerful & Weak Qualities
Powerful: Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, James Caan, John Cazale, Abe Vigoda, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire & Marlon Brando all did an excellent job for their respective performances.
Francis Ford Coppola did a superb job directing. He also co-wrote the script with Mario Puzo.
Writing has memorable dialogue listed.
- I believe in America.
- I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.
- May their first child be a masculine child.
- Leave the gun, take the cannoli.
- No, Apollonia!
- Look how they massacred my boy! (my personal favorite became a meme)
- It’s not personal Sonny, it’s strictly business.
- For old times sake.
Nino Rota orchestrated the soundtrack.
Death Scenes are realistic and brutal.
Michael’s chemistry with his family serves as the main highlight.
For near three-hour film, the Pacing didn’t feel slow or fast. I was hooked right from the get-go.
If you love food, there’s a few scenes of characters eating. Every time I seen somebody eating, it makes me hungry.
Oranges represent something bad will happen.
Cinematography captures well shot imagery.
Fun Facts
- Famous people such as Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal, Mickey Rourke, Antonio Banderas & Tom Hanks consider The Godfather as one of their favorite films.
- Seth MacFarlane openly admits he dislikes The Godfather. On an episode of “Family Guy,” Peter Griffin reveals he did not care for it.
- Orson Welles almost played Vito.
- In 1990, The Godfather was selected in the National Film Registry for preservation by the Liberty of Congress.
- Burt Reynolds was considered for the role of Sonny, but Marlon refuses to work with him.
- Future Oscar winning director, Sofia Coppola (Francis’ daughter) makes a film debut as baby during the Baptism scene.
- In the late ‘90s a Pepsi commercial features a little girl talking like Vito. It’s pretty funny.
- When I was a kid, I didn’t get The Godfather parody in “Rugrats in Paris.”
Random Thoughts
- I consider The Godfather as the first modern American film not “Star Wars: A New Hope.” No offense, BloggedByEric, but you gotta watch more movies like “Apocalypse Now: Redux Edition” before you jump to conclusions. There are good ones prior to Star Wars.
- Sonny’s my favorite in the Corleone Family.
- I wouldn’t consider The Godfather as my all-time favorite film. I consider “The Dark Knight” as number one. Don’t get me wrong, the former is equally brilliant as the latter.
- Prior to watching the film, I played the 2006 video game on PS2. It was my gateway to a cinematic masterpiece. I’m both a gamer and a movie enthusiast
Character Development involving Michael. As the film progresses he goes from a nice guy to a tragic villain.
Primary Themes are Family, Loyalty, Revenge, Morality & Legacy. Each one’s handled maturely.
Weak: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the cast and crew an Extra Point for making a flawless film as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
I consider The Godfather as the first modern American film and my favorite film of 1972. It still holds up as a timeless masterpiece. I strongly recommend it for movie buffs. Don’t forget to check out “The Godfather Part II.” A three-hour plus worthy follow up. Both of ‘em are an offer you can’t refuse. The third entry however, refuse it.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 