Public Enemies - Dang, was I disappointed!!

Posted by Movie_Maven

July 29, 2009 |

After hearing good review after good review of this film I was extremely disappointed. Johnny Depp and Christian Bale were both fabulous, as was Marion Cotillard; however, I have to say Michael Mann’s direction was extremely heavy-handed and tried to make more of an action film from what was really a quasi-biopic. Toss into the mix the VERY long 140-minute run time. This film could have been more effective had some of the longer, drawn-out scenes been eliminated and more of a focus established on the motivations of the main characters. One big example, at least for me, was the lack of character motivation by Billie (Cotillard) for getting involved with Dillinger (Depp). Sure, he’s a hunk and charming, but still. As for FBI Agent Purvis (Bale), I kept hoping he would utter something like, “Let’s get the Batmobile” or (from my favorite television show “The Big Bang Theory” a Sheldon-like utterance of “I’m Batman, SHHHHH!”). I love Bale and would personally watch him watch paint dry; however, this entire film equated with watching paint dry. The final half hour was considerably better but did not make up for the first 2 hours.

Suffice it to say there were several historical inaccuracies which are detailed well on imdb.com.

I really wanted to like it but even with free passes I regretted going (except for Christian Bale).