The Godfather: Part II (9.7/10)

The acting and cinematography in these early-'70s films still shocks me every time. There's a long-running debate over which of the first two Godfather films is better, and I tend to side with originals in any series, so it's no surprise the first one edges this out for me, mostly because I found Michael's rise more captivating. That said, this is still a phenomenal film. The dual timeline works: young Vito's rise in 1917 Hell's Kitchen, played by Robert De Niro, is the highlight for me, and Pacino delivers another strong performance as Michael. What really stood out here, though, was the supporting cast — they felt even more elevated than in the first film. "The compelling sequel to "The Godfather," contrasting the life of Corleone father and son. Traces the problems of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) in 1958 and that of a young immigrant Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) in 1917's Hell's Kitchen. Michael survives many misfortunes and Vito is introduced to a life of crime.)