Public Enemies

Public Enemies is an absolute blast. I mean, who out there does not enjoy a good gangster movie, let alone, one of a non fictional background? I saw it in the theater the day it came out and I've seen it 2 or 3 more times since its been out on DVD. Johnny Depp and Christian Bale on the same screen. I don't think it can be any better than that. From the very beginning to the absolute end, it never slows down, and it's set right in the middle of depression era America. Depp plays the infamous John Dillinger, while Bale portrays legendary lawman Melvin Purvis. Under the supervision of J.Edgar Hoover (Billy Crudup), Purvis is given complete authority to hunt down and capture America's most wanted criminals, Dead Or Alive. Preferably Dead.  Purvis is able to gun down Pretty Boy Floyd (Cameo by Channing Tatum)  at the beginning of the film, while Dillinger and a bunch of his associates are escaping a prison, from there on out its a non stop thrill ride. It follows Dillinger on the ride of his life. Robbing banks, hanging with buddies, evading the law, and falling in love. A great story, told by a great director, Michael Mann. Right away, Dillinger is dubbed Public Enemy #1, although Purvis runs into Baby Face Nelson before he ever lays eyes on Dillinger. I love the era of the film, and the way it is shot is brilliant. I don't know why it didn't get more recognition, but it definitely deserved more than it got. There is some very interesting history behind the movie, aside from the actual history. A suitcase of Dillinger's was kept in a museum for several years. It was obtained when Dillinger had to leave his hidey hole in a hurry. It contained clothes and a suit of Dillinger's. The suit fit Depp perfectly and he wore it through much of the film. Also, the house that the big shootout takes place in was the actual house it took place in. The film crew filled all the historical bullett holes with squibs and puttied them up, so that during the shoot the actual bullet holes would reveal themselves in the exact location once again. Talk about recreating history. The film follows the Dillinger/ Purvis relationship throughout with sub plots including Baby Face Nelson and several members of Dillingers gang. It turns really fun when Baby Face and Dillinger team up, and we get to see how crazy Baby Face actually was.  Depp and Bale do not share much screen time which is a shame, but at the same time it would have ridiculous if Purvis and Dillinger were always together, but Purvis couldn't capture him, (because he loved him so much). Not the case. Make no mistake about it, these two did not like each other. Dillinger was elusive and charismatic, both with cops and the media. Purvis was a no B.S. lawman with one thing on his mind, catching bad guys or, busting punks, as it's called today. Acted to perfection with a supporting cast that includes Giovanni Ribisi, Stephen Dorff, the guy who played Tommy in Snatch, and The Bad Ass Colonel from Avatar, Stephen Lang. There is nothing wrong with any part of this movie, even the music is awesome. It'll get your feet a tappin'. Purvis was the best at what he did, and eventually all that killing caught up with him, mentally. In the early 1930's Purvis was the government's top G-Man, capturing or killing most, or all, of AMERICA'S MOST WANTED,  but in 1960 he committed suicide. There is a lot of speculation surrounding his death, but ultimately it was determined he shot himself. With all the action, shooting, jailbreaks, and the presence of the baddest looking gun in history, The Tommy gun, this film is so much fun, and because it historical, we get to learn something about criminals and lawmen of the 1930's. I hope you watch it and I know you'll enjoy.

NBM rates Public Enemies - Phenomenal

Buy Your Copy Today