The first "Godfather" is one of my favorite movies. So is "The Godfather Part II," which is not only superior to the original but has a serious claim to being my favorite movie of all time. While Marlon Brando's presence is sorely missed, "Part II" does everything the original did and does it better. Its story is deeper, richer, and ultimately more thought provoking. While "Part I" was a tale of good and evil, "Part II" explores the Mafia as the ultimate perversion of the American Dream - something that took the innocence of the immigrant ideal and warped it into a criminal monstrosity.

"Part I" showed how a good man can become evil. "Part II" continues that story and demonstrates how an amoral but complicated man can lose his own soul in doing what he thinks is right. Like "Part I," "Part II" is endlessly entertaining but it's also more emotionally involving and satisfying. I love how the filmmakers show the parallel stories of Vito and Michael Corleone, who're both played brilliantly by Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. The fact that Al Pacino didn't win the Oscar for "Part II" is unbelievable; it's easily the best performance of his career. In fact everyone in "Part II" is great, from Robert Duvall to Diane Keaton to John Cazale. Like "Part I" the writing, directing, and music of "Part II" are flawless and make for some of the greatest scenes in movie history. "The Godfather Part II" is an unqualified masterpiece and essential viewing for anyone who loves movies. 10/10.