Is This Heresy?

Instead of focusing on a GF 4, why not consider re-making the Godfather films? I know all the pitfalls and arguments against it, but to me (and presumably others on these boards) these films are classics. Shakespeare and the great Operas get done over and over, so why not the GF films? Not only could this be a wellspring for new directorial and acting talent, it could allow for some interperatation of some of the ambiguities created by the originals. While there is plenty to say about how GF and GFII should never be touched, the opposite is true with GF III...there's lots of room for imporvement there.

Hmmm, it would be interesting to see the trilogy remade. Some confusion in the storyline could be cleared up, and it could definately make the legacy better. However, I think that the movie is still not old enough, and there is A LOT of ways that you could mess things up. Though, it would, still be very interesting.

They should make more Mob Movies period.

Ur right. When is the last time a good Mob Movie came out?

Actually, just not too long ago, The Last Don, and The Last Don II, based on Puzo's (The Godfather book and movies) novel was released, starring Danny Aiello and Joe Montegna.

There are also a few mob movies scheduled to come out relatively soon.

Find Me Guilty, starring Vin Deasel (ugh... ) as Jack DiNorsico in a drama based on the longest Mafia trial in U.S. history. DiNorscio is faced with a series of charges and decides to stand trial instead of ratting out his family and associates. A wrench is thrown into the system when DiNorscio decides to defend himself.

Then there is Carlito's Way: The Beginning, in which Carlito Brigante (Jay Hernandez) emerges as the heroin czar of Harlem in the late 1960s. It is a prequel to 1993's Carlito's Way, starring Al Pacino as Brigante.

Then, there are also rumors that Omerta (based on Mario Puzo's book) is to possibly begin production. Rumors also state that Michael Imperioli will be writing the script.

I happen to enjoy remakes, when there is grounds to remake a movie. Older movies (30's, 40's, 50's) and foreign movies are usually when remakes are OK, IMO. Other times remakes are OK when you can update the subject matter and have it still apply in today's society. The recent Manchurian Candidate remake is a good example of that.

But anyone who wants to watch The Godfather should do just that -- watch the original. They're still relevent in today's society, so updating them to street gangs or modern day mafia would change the movie totally. Not good.

Also, I think there is a category of movies that will never get remade because they are just pure and simple masterpieces. The Godfather, Citizen Kane, Casablanca (although I can see that being updated in today's world - ugh)...

Ur right. When is the last time a good Mob Movie came out? [/b][/quote]Not in a while. All the mob movies they are making are all gay ass comedy ones.

Agreed. These dumb DeNiro-Billy Crystal movies are not real mob movies. It is time for some new ones.

Has anyone ever seen Dinner Rush, with Danny Aiello, made in 2000. It was a really great film. I just found it in my local Blockbuster the other night and was surprised that I had never spotted the movie before.

It is basically about an "average" night inside a Wiseguy (Aiello)'s restaurant. Its definately a movie worth watching.

Miller's Crossing, The Funeral and King of New York are some good lesser known mafia/gangster movies.

My feeling is, you're better off remaking a film that failed, opposed to a classic, successful film. There just really is no need to remake them. We all know the story already, and the films are flawless. Infact, the Godfather is the only film on IMDB to have a rating of 9 or more (with the exception of Rush in Rio, but that is because a bunch of Rush fans went on and gave it all 10's.) There is no way it will live up to it's 1972 counterpart.

Just look at the successful remake's to have come out in the past few years...

Oceans 11 - The original bombed.

Scarface - A bit more relatable one. I didn't really enjoy it that much, but regardless it was successful -- there are so many people out there that were completely unaware of the 1932 version until it was re-released on DVD last year with the 1983 version.

Donnie Brasco, which wasnt made that long ago is in my opinion, the best gangster film ever

This Thing Of Ours, in the summer of 2003.

Discussed here a couple of times, ran in theatres in major cities for about a week, seen by a few members, but a terrific film nevertheless.

http://www.thisthingofours.net/

Don't worry... once Ridley Scott or Ron Howard or some other good director makes a good mafia/gangster movie, they'll be coming out of the woodwork just like the historical epics and bio-dramas did when these respective directors first made them with Gladiator and A Beautiful Mind.

I bet within the next 5 years we'll be up to our ears in mafia/gangster movies. That's how the Hollywood cycle works.