The Godfather: Part II 1974

Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune: One of the most ambitious and brilliantly executed American films, a landmark work from one of Hollywood's top cinema eras. Read more

Vincent Canby, New York Times: It's a second movie made largely out of the bits and pieces of Mr. Puzo's novel that didn't fit into the first. It's a Frankenstein's monster stitched together from leftover parts. It talks. It moves in fits and starts but it has no mind of its own. Read more

Don Druker, Chicago Reader: Francis Ford Coppola pulls it off in grand style. Read more

John H. Dorr, Hollywood Reporter: An admirable, responsible production, less emotionally disturbing than its predecessor, but a grand historical epic studying the nature of power in the United States' heritage. Read more

Kathleen Carroll, New York Daily News: It goes much deeper than The Godfather in analyzing the twisted mentalities of these men who pervert the capitalist system for their own gain. The film is richer in texture and gives more evidence of social awareness. Read more

James Berardinelli, ReelViews: Few sequels have expanded upon the original with the faithfulness and detail of this one. Read more

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: The stunning text of The Godfather is replaced in Part II with prologues, epilogues, footnotes, and good intentions. Read more

Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine: Not once does Pacino overtly ask for the audience's sympathy, but through a disciplined, suggestive performance he dominates the film. Read more

Tom Huddleston, Time Out: This is quite simply one of the saddest movies ever made, a tale of loss, grief and absolute loneliness, an unflinching stare into the darkest moral abyss. Read more

A.D. Murphy, Variety: The Paramount release has everything going for it. Read more