Artistic appreciation requires a degree of active criticism and interprtation, whereas escapism via an artisitc work allows passive appreciation and enjoyment derived through association with the characters or the storyline, a suspension of belief and a mild disassociation from the "real" world.

When watching the GF films, or indeed any other, the most enjoyment in my opinion comes from losing oneself in the world of the Corleones (or whomever are the protagonists) - escapism. Many movies certainly are works of art in the loose sense that they are gainful and enjoyable vehicles for escapism.