The Last Don

A good altought not exceptional gangster movie, ( Goodfellas is still the best one to me ). Danny Aiello and Rory Cochrane characters are great on this movie. However I think that Kirstie Alley should look for comedy movies because I think that this type of film is not exactly what shes skilled for. I think they should have added a bit more of sadistic/cruel violence which is a indispensable *sauce* to movies like this ( check out Goodfellas and Casino to know what I am talking about ). Not really a classic, But still reccomendable if you like Mafia movies. as far as I know this one was exhibited as a TV serie in United States, but I think I have never seen this movie on TV.

Maybe not as good as the Godfather, but a great movie nonetheless. The only negative I have to say is that it was sooooo long. I guess that's why it was a mini-series on TV instead of in theaters. I'm looking forward to checking out the sequel this weekend.

I thought this mini-series was very well done. Of course, it had it's slow and unbelieving moments but overall I enjoyed it immensely. The acting, overall, was good (kd lang and even the Don's reaction to things were a little off). I thought Kirstie Alley blew the other actors out of the water (then again, she had a lot more background to work with...and also, what a thing to go through, i am not surprised she went a little crazy). I think her acting was superb in this! I am looking forward to seeing the second part in the mini-series (whenever i can find the time to spare 4 hours...ha) But alas, it was a great mini-series and i recommend it. Besides you can buy both for around 6 or 7 bucks each (so it's worth buying over renting and then you don't have to sit for 4 hours at a time)!

As a mini-series, this production is *far* better than average. Presented as a movie it is only average. To be fair I rated "The Last Don" 6/10, but it should be noted that there are so many high quality gangster movies (Goodfellas, Scarface, Casino, The Godfather, to name a few) that "The Last Don" has some truly formidable competition.

Anyway, I was entertained, and watching the excellent cast at work was very enjoyable. Sure, we've seen it all before, but if that was the criteria to judge a film by I'd have to become a serious pessimist. This was a very fine production.

As a fan of The Godfather movies, it was inevitable that I would have to view The Last Don someday. I must be honest I actually thought it was pretty compelling. Don't get me wrong, this isn't the Godfather. But however it is in my opinion much better than Godfather Part III. Which I guess is not saying much but there you have it. I am a big fan of Joe Mantegna which probably makes me somewhat biased. Danny Aiello makes a great Don. Jason Gedrick is at least very likeable in his role as Cross. It has some of the elements of the Godfather films, which helps it out a lot. Emotional things, entanglements, killings, trials, acquittals even though there were 300 witnesses to the murder. ;)

It is somewhat gripping. And I must say I think it's worth buying on VHS if you want another Godfather story. I will say this again it's nowhere near as good as Godfather or Godfather part II, but it's very compelling and interesting as a look into a lifetime of a mafia family.