"...Fredo. You broke my heart, you broke my heart."

I’m well aware that movies are not real life, but movies DO provide analogies and parallels that can be used as a lens to view and consider our own lives. I think a lot of men of my generation and age have heeded the advice of Dean Vernon Wormer, from the movie “ Animal House”, when he advised Kent Dorfman that, “Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life son.”

Many may take to heart the unrestrained optimism of Scarlett O’Hara, at the conclusion of “Gone with the Wind” when she utters, “I’ll go home. I’ll get him back. After all…tomorrow is another day.”

Me? I’ve always been a fan of the Godfather movies. The original was a great movie. Godfather 2 was pretty good. Three? Meh, it was alright, definitely the weakest of the bunch, but it had some good scenes and memorable lines too.

Godfather Two is interesting because it moves forward in time past the original movie, but it also looks back in time presenting a prequel to the original, showing how Vito Corleone came to America and started the saga. Godfather Two supplements the original Godfather movie very well.

I really like Godfather Two because of the way it tells the story of two people and how they deal with their unusual circumstances.

Don Vito’s youngest son Michael ascends to lead the family upon Vito’s retirement. He attempts to move the family into legitimate business and out of the underworld with limited success while trying to maintain the veneer of a normal family life as best he can. Michael, the Ivy-League (Dartmouth) graduate, ex-Marine hero (awarded the Navy Cross) is best suited to fill the leadership void left by Vito’s death since Vito’s oldest male heir, Sonny, preceded him in death. Michael’s story forms the bulk of all three of the Godfather movies. What I like about Michael, as the new godfather, is that he does what he can to improve himself and his family's situation given the obstacles he faces.

I’ve always found the middle brother, Federico (Fredo), to be an interesting but very sad character. Fredo is the hapless ne’er-do-well brother that lives his life bemoaning the fact that he is not the new godfather. He blames others for his circumstance and does NOTHING to improve his lot in life. His bitter attitude leaves him angry and those around him miserable.

Near the end of the movie when he confronts Michael about being by-passed for the role of godfather he proclaims, “I’M SMART!” Well, Fredo, with all due respect, proclaiming it doesn’t make it so. Michael explains that he was given the role of their father’s successor because, “That’s the way Pop wanted it.” I’ve always believed that the line, “I know it was you Fredo. You broke my heart, you broke my heart.” Probably touched Fredo doubly as he probably expected that he had not lived up to Vito’s expectations for him, but had never been told that directly. Michael, by kissing Fredo and uttering that line, removed any doubt. Fredo had disappointed both of the father figures in his life.

Hmmmm… Interesting concept… Fulfilling your parents’ dreams and wishes… Becoming what they want you to be…

I’m happy to report that even though there have been bumps along the way, both of my children have become the adults I dreamed they’d be smart, athletic, funny, and successful.

Now, I need to figure out myself. Am I more of a Michael, internal locus, self-starter, reasonably intelligent, family oriented? Or, am I a Fredo, confused, blaming others for my situation, confused, and bitter man, who lashes out in anger causing disappointment and heartbreak in others?

I’d like to think I’m more Michael than Fredo, but who knows? I've had setbacks.

Hell, I'm short and fat, but I don't let that hold me back. I embrace it!

I wasn't born a Kennedy, but the lack of a trust fund hasn't hurt me in any way.

I can't sing or dance or else I coulda been the next Wayne Newton! It's too hot in Vegas to being doing 7 shows a week (two on Saturdays) at the Sands anyway.

I think mom and dad are reasonably pleased with the man, son, father, and brother I've become in spite of myself and my circumstances.

So, the questions beg to be asked; How about you? Are you becoming the person your parents wanted you to become? Or even the person YOU want to be?

Movie characters as life guides...

Who knew?