Public Enemies Details

[Highly rated reviewer]

terrible

This film never grabbed me from the first. I was waiting for something to happen, but everything was merely superficial. There was no real decent plot to follow, no change or interest in the characters, and the direction was useless and pointless.

I found the 30s theme interesting, and think they went to great length to bring the audience a 'realistic' feel of the 1930s, and of the depression; also, the style of direction initially caught my eye - however these, let's say, stylistic monouvres became the only thing of interest, and I continued to wonder - where is this film going?

However, it didn't go anywhere, and is another terrible indictment on the recent films coming out of hollywood. Do not rent this film if you are looking for a decent story, If you liked the untouchables, you might find this film interesting.

Terrible, what a waste.

A 1930's Robin Hoood!

I can totally understand the fascination people had and have with the likes of Dillinger, Bonny and Clyde etc...Simply because the course of action these people decided to take (despite being doomed from the start to end in inevitable tragedy) against the law epitomises a part in all (if not most) of us that wishes we could be reckless enough to do the same: just act without worrying of consequences. Right and wrong seems to be of no consequence when watching Dillinger in action, you actually start to like him, because he is so confident and amazingly charismatic. Of course it is understood that if the Government did not put stop to outlaws like Dillinger that more of his type would keep popping up and the situation would get out of control. Plus with the added issue that Dillinger's escapes and actions were starting to make the FBI a laughing stock! Johnny Depp was definitely the right choice for Dillinger, however I wouldn't have chosen Bale to play Purvis, he just didn't fit the character too well. I liked this movie as a reminder for the true story behind the movie. Don't get me wrong:the movie was exciting (except for a few badly shot, amateurish camera action scenes) but the thought that it was based on a true story was alot better. Having seen photos of the real people and read their backgrounds sets a person's mind racing to imagine how so much more intense and gripping their lives must have been living in the 30's as bank robbers.(considering the historical backdrop of what was happening in the US at that time). Movies are always glammed up with pretty looking actors and scenes modified to create a specific effect: but real life is messy, and plays out so much more interesting than what Hollywood could ever deliver as a retelling of a fantastic series of events in the life of J.H. Dillinger: Public Enemy Number One! It's just a shame that a camera didn't follow the real Dillinger around when he was living: now THAT would have been a movie worth seeing!