The Godfather: Part II

I loved the first Godfather because of Al Pacino, but in the sequel it was De Niro and John Cazale who really sparkled. This film is much darker than the first since it shows the decline of the Corleone dynasty which is odd, since at the end of the first film, one has the feeling that Michael is going to take the family to new heights. Tom Hagen's likening of the Roman Empire is astute in noting that both empires are brought to slow ruin by inside politics, jealousy, and decadence. I do like how slowly we see Michael become like the stoic Vito, while at the same time we see a more innocent and less somber side of Vito (during his childhood and rise as the Don). Liked it, but not as good in the first, hence the four stars.