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Public Enemies (2-Disc Special Edition DVD)

The 2-disc Special Edition DVD of the Michael Mann gangster film about the last days of John Dillinger.

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VERY GOOD FILM

Apr 28, 2010

by FM_ALEX
posted in Movie Hype

Rating:

PUBLIC ENEMIES

Three things that I love about movies come together in this film, gangster films, Johnny Depp, and Michael Mann. When I first heard about this film I could not have been more excited about a film, all those things together and Depp is playing John Dillinger. Really and honestly what more could you ask for, I knew this would be a good film. As I thought when this first came out I was right, it is a good film. But after watching more I realized that it could have been more. I was sure what it was missing but it felt like it could have been more.

I am sure you all know the story of John Dillinger the legendary outlaw that was officially the first public enemy number one. He was also one of the main reason the FBI was formed and was basically a hero in his time amongst the regular people. The people at the time looked at him as a person sticking it to the man during the Great Depression. Of course he loved this as is said in the movie, he hides out amongst those same people so he wants to be on their side. Dillinger was really an interesting dude who had a lot of charisma like when he speaks to the reporters after being captured, yes that really happened. Most of the stuff in here about Dillinger is spot on including locations, but other things have been changed like Baby face's death.

So of course the title alone gives away what the film is about, the criminal life of one John Dillinger. Unlike a lot of biopic films this just focuses on the last part of his life when he was really infamous. From the incredible jail breaks to the heists it is all here, including his time with Baby face Nelson. Nelson was not the typical guy Dillinger would hang out with since he really didn't care about the people and was reckless. Still the film touches on all from Purvis and Hoover to the formation of the FBI. Of course his death and the famous lady in red situation is all here.

I must say the film was brilliantly shot by Dante Spinotti and company, I loved the way it was presented. The look and feel of the film matches the time period perfectly, so here is to all those behind the camera. Director and co writer Michael Mann did a good job with this film in my opinion even though I still think it could have been more. Maybe it was the script that lacked that little something but it felt like it was just almost there, not completely a classic. Still even with that said and historical things out of place and or changed it was still an entertaining film.

Johnny Depp was absolutely perfect to play Dillinger as he showcased the man at his charismatic best. Depp has never disappointed me ever and does not in this film, loved his performance as the confident outlaw. Christian Bale also does a great job as Melvin Purvis, the man appointed to hunt Dillinger and his fellow criminals of the time down. Bale is another guy that really as never disappointed me although he strikes me as the type that can truly shine under a great director. Channing Tatum is here for a short time as famous outlaw Pretty Boy Floyd and Billy Crudup portrays J. Edgar Hoover perfectly. Stephen Graham is really fun as Baby face Nelson and really makes him come to life, and also MMA legend Don Frye is here as Clarence Hurt one of the specialist brought in to hunt Dillinger down.

This film is not entirely historically accurate but it a lot of the time, in fact the behind the scenes shows you just how much is real. I love that they shot his death scene at the actual spot, literally at the spot. The 2 disc addition includes a lot of great special features including documentaries on the real Dillinger and outlaws of the time. Also there is a great commentary on disc 1. I recommend this film because I enjoyed it and thought it was a really good film. It is not the classic it could have been but it is still a very good movie.

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QUEENBFLIX May 28, 2010

I always like to see J. Edgar on film, he was such an interesting character and a lot more influential in the affairs of this country than most people know. He once said that Presidents came and went but he was eternal. Nice review.

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Count_Orlok_22 April 29, 2010

I really like Michael Mann and although I felt this film wasn't as strong as his others from the '90s and early 2000s, I did enjoy it. And you're right, it was a very good audio commentary.

FM_ALEX May 02, 2010

Yeah man that commentary is very helpful

Count_Orlok_22 May 02, 2010

If you liked "Collateral", you should listen to that commentary too. Mann is so precise and focused on details when he makes a film that a lot of the stuff gets overlooked until he points it out.

FM_ALEX May 03, 2010

I do indeed like that film, I'll have to go back and listen to that one as well.

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woopak_the_thrill April 28, 2010

yup, this was visually cool (Depp ruled), stylish but hardly the best movie about Dillinger. The drama was lost but I have to say that I at least thought it was a good imprint but not an effective dramatization of Dillinger's life. Great review!

woopak_the_thrill April 28, 2010

Hey, you receive my message, man?

FM_ALEX April 29, 2010

Yeah man this was a good one, and what message would that be? I am not sure I have.

woopak_the_thrill April 29, 2010

check your inbox here in Lunch...

FM_ALEX April 29, 2010

Yes indeed I did, actually I have a couple from you, which is it.

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More Public Enemies (2-Disc Special... reviews

Quick Tip by FM_ALEX. January 02, 2011

posted in Movie Hype

A Quick Tip by FM_ALEX

This film is not entirely historically accurate but it a lot of the time, in fact the behind the scenes shows you just how much is real. I love that they shot his death scene at the actual spot, literally at the spot. The 2 disc addition includes a lot of great special features including documentaries on the real Dillinger and outlaws of the time. Also there is a great commentary on disc 1. I recommend this film because I enjoyed it and thought it was a really good film. It is not the classic it … more

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About the reviewer

FM_ALEX
Ranked #6

I basically am just a normal person obbsessed with Mixed Martial Arts, pro wrestling, movies of all kinds, music of all kinds, books of all kinds, and of course foods of all kinds. Just trying to keep … more