I was hooked when I saw the first scene of the first movie. Every character at the wedding looked like someone who was in my family’s, especially grandparents, circle of friends. I like the movies as much for the portrayals of Sicilian culture as the mafia stuff.
Wow!!!! {^) I am of Whitey Northern European Celt and Pioneer-vintage California Mongrel (with a little bit of Mexican tossed in for good luck) extraction, so your grandparents' circle would be pretty exciting for me!
The movie I put off watching for YEARS and wish I hadn't because it is such a friggin' GOOD movie, is Goodfellas. I liked it even better than the Godfather!