There is no denying the impact Francis Ford Coppola has had on cinema in his illustrious career.

From the “Godfather” trilogy to “Apocalypse Now” to “Peggy Sue Got Married” and “The Outsiders,” Coppola has built an impressive resume that can go toe to toe with most, if not all, of his contemporaries.

Coppola is back with “Megalopolis,” a labor of love first conceived more than 40 years ago that is as ambitious as any 2024 film.

While one can appreciate the ambition and Coppola’s desire to swing for the fences, “Megalopolis” is ultimately an infield pop up at best, an overstuffed saga with moments of potential smothered by waves of pretentiousness.

“Megalopolis” is billed as a fable, set in an alternate United States that is reminiscent of the ancient Roman empire. Adam Driver plays Cesar Catilina, an architect with a vision to turn the sprawling metropolis of New Rome (which looks a lot like New York City) into a utopia using a material he has designed known as Megalon – a material that can give him the power to control space and time.

His vision for a perfect society is met by plenty of resistance, including Franklin Cisero (Giancarlo Esposito), the corrupt mayor of New Rome, Cesar’s power-hungry cousin Clodio (Shia LaBeouf) and an even more power-hungry TV news personality and Cesar’s former mistress Wow Platinum (Aubrey Plaza in one of the film’s better performances).

Coppola’s film is clearly meant as a political commentary, with the filmmaker attempting to draw parallels between the fall of the Roman Empire and the current political landscape. While the idea is intriguing, unfortunately the execution is convoluted and frustrating.

A lot of “Megalopolis” feels like a behind the scenes look at an improvisational class, where an obscene amount of talent are given ideas and scenarios and asked to run with it until the camera stops rolling. This leads to themes, ideas and plot threads that just meander with no real cohesiveness that puts it all together in a satisfying manner.

Coppola still proves he has a keen eye behind the camera with some spectacular visuals (especially in IMAX) and the cast tries to salvage the material as best as they can. Nathalie Emmanuel is the brightest spot among the cast, playing the film’s most interesting and well-developed character in Julia Cisero – the mayor’s daughter and Cesar’s love interest.

But for every moment where Emmanual shines there are just baffling moments that feature well-known talent like Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight and Talia Shire (who to be fair makes the most out of a completely underwritten character).

“Megalopolis” is reported to have cost over $100 million with Coppola selling one of his wineries to self-finance the film. While I can admire Coppola’s desire to finally see this project to completion, watching “Megalopolis” makes me think that maybe this is an idea he should have left in development limbo. I’m not sure this gamble is going to pay off – for Coppola or the audiences.

If You Go

”Megalopolis”
Starring: Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito
Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
Rating: R for some sexual content, nudity, drug use, language and some violence
Playing at: Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12
Grade: D+