I was sitting with my father, Michael Anthony Risoli, about 3 years ago. We got bored and decided to watch TV. My dad decided to turn to channel 40, which is USA Network. All of a sudden, I hear this eery music begin to play and my father tells me that I'm probably going to like this movie.
I think USA was doing a Mega Mobster Hits marathon with nothing but mob movies. The movie that was on was called The Godfather: A Novel For Television (It's The Complete Epic only edited for television). This was the first version of the Godfather I saw. It was quite interesting. I was spellbound after only a few moments! It was a little strange for me, at first, because I had never seen it ofcourse. As the movie began to get more interesting, however, I was glued to the tube! By the movie's end, I knew I had seen the greatest movie I had ever seen so far.
One of the parts that I remember watching from that night distinctly was after Apollonia was murdered. Michael was lying in bed and was in a state of shock talking to Tommasino asking if she was alive or not and asking where Fabrizio was. (this is added footage) I distinctly remember watching this.
The Godfather Part 3 was shown seperately ofcourse. I forget if it was the next night or immediately after. I am disappointed in the critics and even my fellow Godfather enthusiasts saying that this movie sucks. I wholeheartedly believe that this movie is every bit as good as the first and second. I enjoyed it all the way up to the end. Just before Mary was about to be shot, I remember my dad saying, "This ending's pretty sad." It's one of the most heart-wrenching, and best acted scenes I've ever watched in my life.
The Godfather Trilogy is the best trilogy ever made. I own the six tape trilogy set and the Godfather Family: A Look Inside. I own The Complete Epic and am saving up for The Godfather Trilogy: 1901-1980. I go on eBay daily and look for Godfather collectibles. My bedroom is wallpapered with Godfather posters. I'm grateful to my father for sitting me down and letting me have the experience of a lifetime: watching the Godfather!
