Every now and again lightning strikes. And when it strikes, if you're very lucky, you survive. And if you survive, you may even be granted supernatural powers, or short of that, you may be worshipped for your survival. Such was the case for Francis Ford Coppola in 1972, when he came out with The Godfather. Truly the best film he's ever made, before or since. Now some of you are going to argue that II was his masterpiece, and that's an argument for another time. Outside of those two movies I defy you to find something that even comes close. Apocalypse Now? Please. Go back and watch Apocalypse Now Redux and see what he would have done had he had more control over the editorial process. I love Peggy Sue Got Married, but we're in a whole new arena with that film.

So lightning struck twice. And Coppola not only survived, he was revered. And he was revered for a sequel! Name me a handful of sequels that were equal to or better than the original. I defy you! And yet I empathize with the man. It must be very difficult to reach your zenith fairly early in your career and then to spend the rest of your career seeking similar success. To put it in sporting terms, it must be like going to the Super Bowl early in your career and then never getting to the big show again. Take our friend Dan Marino. In his 16 year career, (and the number 16 seems to be magical, keep it in mind for later) Marino only got there once, in his second year, and then spent the rest of his time trying to get back to the big show. That's gotta leave a mark. Imagine how Coppola must have felt having two early successes, two more than Marino would ever have, and then to ever be in search of a third. Ouch!

So I understand what must be an intense urge for Coppola to revisit his former conquests, but going for three?! No, no, no! Someone should have stopped him. 16 years later he decided to go back to the Corleone family and what a disaster. There's that number, 16 again. Why is it so familiar, and what does it have to do with our present situation? Good question, glad you asked. Coppola isn't the only one to have made that mistake. Let's visit some other famous examples, shall we?

China Town is one of the best films ever made, certainly on my top twenty list. Hey, let's make a sequel! But wait a minute, let's not rush into it, let's wait 16 years to think it over and then produce The Two Jakes. Yah. China Town's not your favorite? Okay, I'll suspend my disbelief. How about the Star Wars trilogy? How can you not love those three movies? I understand that Return of the Jedi was a bit of a let-down after The Empire Strikes Back, but they are still some of the most entertaining movies out there. Fast forward 16 years and we come across The Phantom Menace. A world-wide sigh is still effecting weather patterns and causing global warming.

Ah, but perhaps you are still looking for a review of this movie. I've got nothing for you. This movie was such an incredible let-down from the first two that I can't even begin to compare them. Just watch I and II. Never dishonor the memory of those two movies or that of the Corleone family by watching III. And never wait 16 years to follow up another accomplishment. If it's taken that long it's not going to happen, and like Dan Marino, you should just hang it up.

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