The Godfather *****

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

Year: 1972

Novel by: Mario Puzo

Adapted by: Mario Puzo, Francis Ford Coppola

Cinematographer: Gordon Willis

Coppola's camera is so invisible, you don't really think about its placement, all you see is this incredible story of a crime family, so perfectly woven... much is due to Mario Puzo for designing the literary plot, but Coppola takes that story and portrays it so beautifully on screen. The opening scene at the wedding is impressive because in between mini scenes in the Don's office and among certain guests, the wedding feels real, like documentary footage of a real mafia wedding. Every actor's performance is solid, and every character is memorable. Absolutely a classic, tremendous craft and execution of film techniques. I think this is honored as one of the greatest films of all time because there are no weak spots, nothing to pull you out of the story and remind you you're watching a movie. It just flows as a compelling narrative.

Casa de mi padre ***

Director: Matt Piedmont

Year: 2012

Writer: Andrew Steele

Cinematographer: Ramsey Nickell

Silly Will Ferrell, plus Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal... funny, but not smartly written enough to be a great comedy. Mostly just silly mimicking of the American perception of Mexican telenovelas, with '70's aesthetics for some reason, though the film is set in present day. Not much laughter, mostly a few chuckles. Turns surprisingly violent. Silly is the one word descriptor.

Jackie Brown ****

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Year: 1997

Novel by: Elmore Leonard

Adapted by: Quentin Tarantino

Cinematographer: Guillermo Navarro

Pam Grier sinks her teeth into a great character. Great cast, great characters, and I think this might be Tarantino's most human work. By that I mean the characters don't feel like comic book characters, or just film characters, they feel more human than that, more three-dimensional. I just love Grier's portrayal of Jackie Brown, the middle aged flight attendant who isn't going to be pushed around by any more men. And I like the sweet little unconsummated romance between Jackie and Max Cherry. I just enjoy how the plot unravels. Fun movie.