The Godfather Part II

The opinion that The Godfather trilogy (and in particular the first and second films) is overrated has become increasingly popular among younger film enthusiasts. This perspective has even made its way into mainstream media commentary, such as in The White Lotus and Barbie. And while I usually push back against the habit of disliking something purely because it's widely praised, I have to admit: I think The Godfather Part II is overrated.

My biggest issue lies in the film's identity crisis—it can't decide whether it wants to be a sequel or a prequel. I genuinely enjoyed Robert De Niro's portrayal of a young Vito Corleone, and I was excited to see more of this iconic character's backstory. But ultimately, these flashbacks felt only loosely tied to Michael's arc in the present day. If there had been stronger thematic or plot-specific links between the timelines, I could understand the runtime, but as is, the prequel material felt like a separate (and potentially stronger) film awkwardly spliced into another one.

Another sticking point is how closely the film mirrors the original. Once again, we get a handful of mostly forgettable antagonists, a wave of attempted hits against the Corleone family, and Michael (Al Pacino) emerging victorious but more isolated than ever. While The Godfather Part II aims to explore the emotional toll of Michael's rise, the themes of power, corruption, and familial decay are largely retreaded from the first film—only now stretched across a bloated 3.5 hours. The few things the film does differently (like the Vito flashbacks) don't feel cohesively integrated, and I was left wondering what exactly justified the film's legendary reputation.

Still, this isn't to say I didn't find parts of the film worthwhile. The courtroom drama in the middle was surprisingly compelling, particularly the paranoia around informants and how that tension rippled through Michael's inner circle. And despite my complaints about the flashbacks, I have to admit that my favorite moment in the entire film was the final scene—a flashback to a Corleone family dinner before the events of the first film. It was a beautifully executed emotional beat, especially in how it reframed Fredo's betrayal and death. Knowing that Fredo was the only one who supported Michael's decision to join the Marines made his fate all the more tragic.

The Godfather Part II is not a bad film. It's well-acted, beautifully shot, and contains a handful of standout moments. But I can't help but feel like its critical pedestal is more about legacy than merit. In my eyes, it's a good movie—not a masterpiece.