Jul 6, 2009

Movie Review: Public Enemies







Jonny Depp. Bank robbers. Christian Bale. Billy Crudup. Tommy guns. LUCAS (Rory Cochrane)!! (from Empire Records, in case you some how slept through the 90s).

This is a movie to make the most skeptical critic happy. It had the big Hollywood budget, gang violence to rival The Godfather, and a script to love (with a few cheesy one liners, yes, but hello, this was the 30s). I was on the edge of my seat rooting for the suave and charming John Dillinger the whole way through (especially when he is so gentleman-like). Johnny Depp did Dillinger proud. I wasn't as impressed with the films cinematography and didn't enjoy the p.o.v. switches and the use of different styles of camera work. It did, however, enhance my viewing pleasure in some areas. In one scene the camera work is shaky and looks like a handheld is being used. It feels a little low budget but it made me feel like I was there, like it was real.

I have to give props to all the surprising pop ups including the beautiful Channing Tatum, Emillie De Ravin (you know her from Lost, I love her from Roswell), and Leelee Sobieski (so cute!). Also, I was beyond happy to see Giovanni Ribisi! He wasn't on screen much, but any time I saw that face of his I got excited. He played his quiet character very well.













To see or not to see?
Oh yes, to see. On the big screen, don't wait.

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