Godfather (Film Review)

Godfather

Sam Barnett Ryan McDermott

Most people feature the Godfather at the top of their all time favorite movie list and get quite upset if you refute this. I will not confirm nor deny the Godfather is the greatest film of all time however I will say it is an exceptional film and ranks well in the territory.
Marlon Brando (Superman, the Score) delivers one of the greatest performances as Don Vito Corleone, or more famously the Godfather, offering favors to those who ask with respect, (reciprocation is naturally expected). Corleone pulls strings everywhere morticians, police, judges, and politicians. The success enjoyed by the family curdles when narcotics, (which Don Corleone firmly objects to) begins to bring too much heat. A hit is then put out for Vito, who is very conservative in his ways, but the job is botched inciting vengeance ultimately pulling the family together in respect and defense.
There is no arguing the quality of acting in the Godfather notably Pacino, evntually to be known as one of the best actors in the business. You can see the aloofness to the business in the wedding scene, to the utter vengefulness when Don Vito is murdered, to the ruthless businessman he would later become.
Brando plays Don Vito, not as Americas most wanted, but as a caring family man who dies in protection and not out of vindictive hate. A realization occurs within the film realizing we actually care about the ruthless Godfather, a man who murderes and bribes time and time again, this is testament to what a excellently portrayed character he is.
Most of the credit however should go to the legendary Francis Ford Coppolla (The Rainmaker, Apocalypse Now) for his direction and unflagging instincts. Although the film is a gigantic three hours, there is a plethora of detail. Astonishing how he was able to fit so much in whilst taking time for significant moments like the wedding, the baptism, and a moving death.
The Godfather is film creation at its peak recommended highly for those seeking an intelligent drama with depth and emotion. Like the tales from Ancient Greece and Rome, this is a tale of the gods and mortals watching the titans battle for supremacy. This is a great, great movie and a definite must see.
5 out of 5

State of Play (Film Review)

State of Play

Sam Barnett Ryan McDermott

State of Play delivers an entertaining two hours in and features enthralling performances from Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck and Rachel McAdams. The movie starts with Russell Crowe’s character Cal McAffery, a writer for the Washington Globe following the murder of a small time criminal and the attempted murder of a by stander. McAffery is a traditional journalist who enjoys, “ink on his hands” and also has a working relationship with his police contacts which offer, confidential information on the murder. Later in the film a young political researcher dies in, (seemingly) a subway accident.
Capitol Hill reins down and McAffery is forced into the affair due to his affiliation with Collins a friend from college. Political blogger McAdam, (Della Frye), incites fury in McAffrey due to the lack of checks and research that goes in to her work. McAffery takes Frye under his wing to show her how to find the real story and clear the name of his old friend.”
Russell Crowe is exceptional in the film carrying its passion and charge. The Oscar winning actor delivers a charming performance that’s filled with heart and soul. The Australian star portrays the character lacking in vanity with long greasy hair perfectly, it’s almost as if he’s playing the tabloid version of himself.
Affleck complements his role well also. Although the character could have been expanded, this is probably the downside of making a film adapted from a six hour series. Rachael McAdams comes well as the enviro-blogger who is groomed by Crowe to become “an old fashioned newspaper man.” The pair has great chemistry and they might have even gotten a sequel out of this film if not for the poor figures at the Box Office.
The major let down in the film is Helen Mirren. For an Oscar winning actress she just doesn’t show any passion, her concept of the role of an editor is to recite lines like “you’ve got a deadline.” Mirren appears insecure and out of place, which is confusing considering that the younger stars are so good.
Although the movie relies a little on coincidences it is still a top drawer movie worthy of critical acclaim. State of Play is so entertaining because it has a solid story and some great acting. If you are after Hollywood filmmaking at its purest then don’t waste a minute, go see this film.