CNN iReport

CNN I-Report Public Enemies Movie Review

By, Rajiim Gross , The RAG Review!!

6/29/09

Johnny Depp is back with Christian Bale hot on his trail in the based on true life story of John Dillenger in Public Enemies! This movie was really good! It was a action packed romantic thrill ride as Special Agent Purvis (Bale) is the Special Agent in charge assigned to capture Public Enemy #1 John Dillenger.  This film has two story lines that are tied together.....The romance between John Dillenger & his love interest Billie Frechette played by Academy Award Winner Marion Cotillard and the relentless pursuit of John Dillenger by Special Agent Melvin Purivs who will stop at nothing to catch him and please his boss J. Edgar Hoover. The film was a good film but not FANTASTIC. I feel this was Johnny Depp's best film and a better one for Christian Bale than the last movie he was in...."T", I can't even say the name!!  The set dressing was great, the film looked very  1930's authentic. It showed how J. Edgar Hoover was bent on forming the F.B.I. and how he would use every asset available to have the first ever "War on Crime" in United States history.  I think the love story believe it or not was the glue that held this film together. The "Gangster" scenes were far apart. Not enough fighting, should have been more. The other thing I guess I have issue with is that these films that are "Based on True Stories" of course add Hollywood to them to sell movies, but some things should stay true.....I can't say much more without "Spoiing" it for you so just go see it! It was good, just felt too long in my opinion. Other films like HEAT done by Michael Mann were long, but the time flew by. This one some what dragged. I will get the DVD & Blu Ray once it is available. This one gets a B+