The Godfather Part II -- 1974 -- R

This sequel to the 1972 film follows the rise of Vito Corleone and the fall of Michael. THis film was better than the first one. It was paced better, and the two plots intertwined perfectly creating a wonerul film experience. Even though it ran nearly 4 hours, I hardly noticed the time go by as Vito traveled to America and created his circle of trust a favors to become the Corleone family crime syndicate and as Michael slowly lost everyone through his necessary actions as the reigning Don of the Corleone clan.

The only real downside was that it ended very quickly and unexpectedly when it did end. In fact, I unintentionally paused the movie in what turned out to be the final scene an came back to find a short scene that faded into the end titles. I still understood the film, but it felt like a brief denouement was in order that we didn't get.

It was definitely worthy of its best picture award for 1974 and stands as a testimony to filmmakers everywhere that sequels can outdo their own original material.