It was a huge departure from the other two, but I loved it totally. People hated it and panned it; but the authenticity of the Italy details, especially in Sicily, was outstanding, as well as the plots in the Vatican part. The first movie, decades ago, was a shock to me at the time about how the U.S. government could be corruptible by mobsters (this was before everyone can now take government corruption for granted).
Also, loved the opera performances from Cavalleria Rusticana, as well as the acting performances by Andy Garcia and Sofia Coppola. People made fun of her appearance, but by Sicilian standards she is gorgeous, and her acting was very natural. Diane Keaton was excellent in a sequel serious role, all except for her wardrobe and hair, which were '80s-terrible. The only fly in the ointment was Pacino's acting, which had deteriorated over the decades into "ham" after his early success. Best line, though: "Every time I think I'm out of it, they pull me back in!"
We had sardines every day, but prepared DIFFERENTLY each time. Whooda thunk they were such versatile creatures?
Side note: It turned out that we had a PORNO producer on our tour, with his wife. She HAD to have been one of his "actresses."
She HATED sardines and moaned and groaned the entire trip. The restaurants we went to SPECIALIZED in sardines so she was outta luck.
I really wanted to snicker, but I sat RIGHT ACROSS from her and kept my snicker, smirks and such to myself.
Unfortunately, my FACE always gives me away. It always did. I can only hope that she was so self-concerned that she wouldn't DEEM to notice an old woman across the table from her.