Public Enemies (R, 2009)

Johnny Depp can do no wrong. Plain and simple. Yes, I liked "Secret Window," now let's drop it. In his latest film, directed by Michael Mann (of "Heat" fame), Depp plays John Dillinger, a renowned crook and J. Edgar Hoover's worst nightmare. He is seduced by Billie Frechette (a gorgeous Marion Cotillard) one night at a bar and is quick to spark a relationship with her. As the film progresses we learn that Dillinger is Piblic Enemy #1, and the Chicago Police have an entire sector after him. After successfully murdering mass-murderer "Prettyboy" Floyd, Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale, with a slightly annoying accent) is assigned to lead the group. He follows Dillinger's every move and will stop at nothing to get him behind bars. When he finally does, John is quick to escape. This leads to a climactic scene that is so gritty and real it dares you not to look away. The rest of the film is no different. Shot with a natural, fly-on-the-wall look, the film is intimate and incredibly raw. And annoying as his accent may be, Bale really delivers. Consider it his redemption for "Terminator Salvation." He says more with his face than anyone else does with words. Empty glances convey his loneliness and recoiling about his job, causing an interesting theme for the film. Through the police's search for a criminal, have they descended into the same behavior? Who's right and who's wrong? This question is heightened by a dynamite performance from Depp (but really, what's new?) He turns Dillinger into a confident, charismatic character and causes the audience to end up rooting for him over the Chicago police. Only Johnny Depp can do that. But good as the film may be, it isn't "Heat." The film provides no backstory for John Dillinger, so we never really know why he's robbing banks. He's in jail as the opening credits roll, but why? Nevertheless, the film is incredibly entertaining and leaps and bounds better than most of the other blockbusters being released this summer. If you're trying to decide between this and "Transformers," by ALL means, see this. It's just as long but feels like nothing compared to the grueling length of that thing. But if you're a tween or teen deciding between this and "Transformers," you might have to pick the awful one. The film is unsettling and very violent, but I was fine. It all depends on your tolerance level.

This movie is great. Overall 4 stars. My concerns are the violence. There is a scene where a man shoots another with a rifle, blood all over his shirt. Probably the bloodiest scene in the movie. There are shootouts and stuff like that but not too bad. There is a s*x scene. Nothing bad is shown. Also the language D*mn, S**t, Godd*mmit, stuff like that, but nothing above the S Word. Also there's a scene where a lady gets slapped like 5 times!! It's mean, but my 13 year old bro was chuckling just like a bunch of other peeps in the theater. I think this movie is ON 13 +. 13+ because not all 10 year olds would be able to watch an R rated movie like this.

SPOILER ALERT! This is a very good movie with some iffyness. The violence was not that bad save for a few scenes where there is blood. But, only the very last thing in the movie kind of disturbed me. It is the part when the main character is shot and killed. There is a lot of blood. Other than that, the violence is not that bad. There is a lot of drinking/smoking in the movie though, because it takes place in the 1930s, before they knew about how smoking is bad for you. There is very little sex or kissing in the movie, so that part is fine. The role model is not that good, 'cause he is a serial theif, but in the end he dies, so your kids(unless they want to die)probably won't see him as a role model. I think it is a fine movie to see if your kids are mature enough.

old movie feel new movie style great its another scarface hands down and dont argue that point until you've seen it! action packed old school style.

This could have been a violent comedy because dillinger was emphasized as being infinitely smarter than the police. It is unrealistic that they kill him after he walks into thier office, asks the score of a baseball game on the radio, and they answer him without turning around.

A great movie with lots of action. One of Depps best movies to date.

I got this movie free on DVD on *://*rewards1*/index.php?referrer_id=1011526

Public enemies was by far one of the best mobster films I have ever watched. I think this topped out the godfather series. Johnny Depp plays a good representation of John Dillinger. The violence is realistic but that's what happened in the 1930's. Overall this is a must see