Working the Weekend with Luke-10/19/14-The Trilogy Countdown Concludes-#1

Welcome to the October 19th edition of Working the Weekend with Luke. Back on August 16th, I began a countdown of my all-time favorite trilogies. I’m sure you’ve loved some of it, and I’m sure you’ve hated some of it. I know there are many of you out there that have been waiting for The Lord of the Rings trilogy to make an appearance, but if you know me at all, you know that will never happen. I’m sorry to disappoint, but it’s just not for me and never will be. Get over it.

I think I’ve had a nice mix here. I’ve had some comedy. I’ve had some drama. I’ve certainly had some 80’s. I’ve even had some animation. So before I get to number one, let’s take a look back from #10 to #2.

 

#10-THE INFERNAL AFFAIRS TRILOGY (FOR THE FULL REVIEW, CLICK HERE)

 

#9-THE NAKED GUN TRILOGY (FOR THE FULL REVIEW, CLICK HERE)

 

#8-THE LECTER TRILOGY (FOR THE FULL REVIEW, CLICK HERE)

 

#7-THE MAN WITH NO NAME TRILOGY (FOR THE FULL REVIEW, CLICK HERE)

 

#6-THE KARATE KID TRILOGY (FOR THE FULL REVIEW, CLICK HERE)

 

#5-THE BACK TO THE FUTURE TRILOGY (FOR THE FULL REVIEW, CLICK HERE)

 

#4-THE DARK KNIGHT TRILOGY (FOR THE FULL REVIEW, CLICK HERE)

 

#3-THE TOY STORY TRILOGY (FOR THE FULL REVIEW, CLICK HERE)

 

#2-THE ORIGINAL STAR WARS TRILOGY (FOR THE FULL REVIEW, CLICK HERE)

 

#1-THE GODFATHER TRILOGY

THE GODFATHER, THE GODFATHER PART II, THE GODFATHER PART III

Was there really any doubt? It’s The Godfather for crying out loud. Is there much more to say? I’ll try.

One of the greatest actors of all time in an unforgettable performance. Marlon Brando is absolutely perfect in the original.

The innocence of Michael in the beginning is played to perfection by Al Pacino, especially if you know what’s going to happen.

I think people often forgot how great James Caan was as Sonny, which makes this scene that much more tragic.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Certainly not the way you think that Vito would go out. A tragically beautiful scene.

The last scene of the original is so freaking good. While Michael and his new persona are the focus, it’s Diane Keaton’s reaction that really makes the scene. Watch it again and you’ll see what I mean.

How amazing is Robert DeNiro as a young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II? You wouldn’t think it possible for anybody to match the performance put on by Brando, but DeNiro’s portrayal is one of the reasons so many people argue that the sequel is superior to the original.

I haven’t mentioned him yet, but I can’t not mention Robert Duvall as Tom Hagen, the voice of reason in organized crime. Could you imagine anyone doing it better?

“I know it was you, Fredo. You broke my heart. You broke my heart.”

And that’s what you get, Fredo. There’s a reason you were passed over.

The final shot. Do you think he realizes what a monster he’s become? Beautiful.

A little different look for the third installment, which most people hate. I think it gets a bad rap because of what it had to live up to. The first two movies are hard for ANY film to match up with. Take the third for what it really is and you’ll enjoy it much more.

I think Andy Garcia did a very admirable job in the final film. Again, it’s not an easy task to jump into a franchise like this, but he pulled it off nicely. And a shoutout to Talia Shire, who stars in my two favorite franchises.

Sofia Coppola is lovely as Mary Corleone. I came across this picture today and just had to include it. It’s another reminder that these are not gangster movies. These are movies about family, which is why the next picture is so heartbreaking.

Told ya.

The fact that the final installment gets hated on is very unfortunate because the ending is perfect. Michael made choices throughout his life that he’s had to live with and in the end, they cost him everything. He’s had to watch everyone he cared about die and at the end, he is alone. His punishment was actually living longer than the people he loved. Absolutely perfect.

So there you have it. There’s no clip today as I wanted today to be only about the countdown. So what did you think? Was it a good list? Was it a bad list? What would you leave in? What would you take out? What would #1 be on your trilogy list? Leave some answers below or follow me on Twitter and tweet @THElukenorris. As always, thanks for reading and I’ll see you here next weekend. In the meantime, check back as I’ll be back with Binge Media Sports coverage of the World Series. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday evening. I’m going to watch The Godfather. No, seriously.