“The Godfather” delves into the powerful New York crime family, the Corleones. The film focuses on Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), the son of Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), as he eases his way into taking over the family business. Vito is growing old, and Michael’s brother is too weak, so Michael must take his father’s place.

There are few movies that grip you quite like “The Godfather.” The suspense is thrilling, and the story flows seamlessly. As you watch, you feel like you are a part of this mobbish family. While the film is a drama, humor is thrown in occasionally to lighten the mood.

The main focus of the film and what makes it so enjoyable is Michael’s transformation. In the beginning he was quiet and quite disconnected from his father and the business. As the story progresses, Michael begins to embrace his newfound role. By the end, Michael has become a ruthless leader of the family business.

The film’s music is amazing. The main theme by Nino Rota is perfect for the Italian mob family in the movie. The music, consistent with the mood of the movie, adds a whole new element to the atmosphere of the film.

The casting of both Al Pacino as Michael and Marlon Brando as Vito is perfect. Brando brilliantly pulls off the role of a calm, yet intimidating Italian crime boss. All of his mannerisms match perfectly with the New York mob boss role he plays. He loves his family dearly, but he is also ruthless in getting what he wants. Pacino is the perfect fit for the role of Michael. He can play both the innocent, happy young man returning from military service in the beginning, and the serious heir to his father’s throne when his whole character changes to a businesslike crime boss by the end.

The only negative aspect of this film is really just a positive in disguise. The movie is 2 hours 58 minutes long and so layered that sometimes it is hard to keep up with. Sometimes you can’t remember Michael’s motives for his actions or who they are after, but otherwise the story is laid out beautifully.

“The Godfather” is still as entertaining as it was in 1972. Once you begin watching you get wrapped up in the atmosphere and story of this crime family. As a viewer, you can’t help but invest so much into these characters. “The Godfather” is a film for the ages.