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List Price: $29.98 | | Label: Universal Studios
Salesrank: 90
Released: December 8, 2009 |
| Our Price: $12.90 |
| Used Price: $11.49 |
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MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
From award-winning director Michael Mann (Heat, Collateral) comes the film inspired by one of the country’s most captivating and infamous outlaws — John Dillinger. Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean series) stars as the charismatic and elusive bank robber marked by the FBI as America’s first “Public Enemy Number One.” Academy Award® winner Marion Cotillard (La Vie en Rose) plays Billie Frechette, the only woman capable of capturing his heart. Hunted relentlessly by top FBI agent Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale, The Dark Knight), Dillinger engages in an escalating game of outrunning and outgunning the FBI, culminating in an explosive, legendary showdown. “It’s a landmark crime saga” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone).
Description of Public Enemies (Single-Disc Edition):
Since crime auteur Michael Mann, like his protagonists, plays by his own rules, Public Enemies eschews back story and motivation for a closely-observed, action-packed examination of men at work. FBI supremo J. Edgar Hoover (Billy Crudup) kick-starts a nationwide manhunt when he proclaims John Dillinger (Johnny Depp, in top form) Public Enemy #1. Hoover taps Agent Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale) to bring the Tommy Gun-toting bank robber in by any means necessary (the agency also targets Pretty Boy Floyd and Baby Face Nelson). If Dillinger had split the scene then and there, he might have enjoyed a happier fate, but he falls for beautiful coat-check girl Billie Frechette (Marion Cotillard, whose open-hearted performance makes her the most sympathetic character in the film). In the end, though, Dillinger is the captain of his own destiny: his loyalty to his girl and his gang overpowers his desire to live free. Though the director also set his first film, Thief, and third series, Crime Story, in his native Chicago, Public Enemies plays more like Heat in Depression-era garb. In that L.A. policier, Al Pacino's cop develops a grudging respect for Robert De Niro's criminal, but letting a lawbreaker go free isn't an option. In this case, however, the tight-lipped Purvis never develops the same sort of esteem for Dillinger--or Hoover--making him the more tragic figure. If Public Enemies is less overtly commercial than The Untouchables or Bugsy, it's still the best mainstream gangster epic in ages and ranks among Mann's finest works. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Stills from Public Enemies (Click for larger image)
Public Enemies (Single-Disc Edition) Reviews:
3 1/2 Stars 
2009-12-22 - I'm a big fan of gangster films, so this one should have been right up my alley. Dillenger was a criminal but also a hero to many. He certainly stole, but he only took from the banks and never from every day people. Though I think Depp is great in his role, I found the story a bit flat and not all that captivating. Bale didn't do as much with his role as I would have hoped and Giovanni Ribisi was completely wasted in his small role. Maybe the film will grow on me in time, but I was let down by this movie.
two thumbs up! (blu ray review)
2009-12-22 - Why is everyone complaining that this is boring? Its not an action film by any means, its a drama/suspense story.
I loved this movie. I loved it so very much i plan on watching it again very soon. Also i'm hearing alot that it contains alot of historical inaccuracy, which now has led me to look into that and read some literature on Dillinger. I loved Depp, he is so charismatic in everything he does and as for Bale, it was soooo nice to hear him speak normally without the batman growl(which he also had in terminator salvation).
I loved the clothes, the cars, the scenery. I guess being from the area where alot of the movie was filmed perhaps holds some sort of intrigue for me that it may not for others.
Now, in reviewing the actual product itself i must agree that this transfer to blu ray is very much lacking in quality. It must just be me however cos i found about half of this movie to look wonderful, but then there are some scenes that incredibly grainy. i even pulled up closer to my tv to inspect, and yes i did notice that.
So it does loose a star for transfer quality, but the film to me, was wonderful and i look forward to watching it again and again.
Rogue Mobster Period Powerhouse 
2009-12-21 - 'Heat' meats 'Last Of the Mohicans' mobster film. Both films close in style and period detail; with a gripping story and convincing style. Crime vs Crime serves as a climax in point. Actors great, sounds great and so is the ride. Blu-ray one of the best, but rare digital noise may freak out nervous types,
Dillinger Saga Lacks Dramatic Firepower 
2009-12-21 - Director Michael Mann tries to give "Public Enemies" an epic texture comparable to his 1995 masterwork "Heat." Unfortunately, this well-made yet narratively thin retelling of John Dillinger's 1933-34 crime spree cannot sustain its 140-minute length. The vigorous shootouts and Depression-era period detail remain impressive, but the dramatic impact is oddly subdued. Despite this drawback, there's plenty of star power from Johnny Depp's Dillinger and Christian Bale's Melvin Purvis - both ideally cast in the classic tradition. Though a noble effort, "Public Enemies" does not represent Mann at his best.
that was bad 
2009-12-21 - movie was boring...characters are poor. Depp is a good actor, but Mann couldn't use him well enough....
"Heat" is Mann's best movie, no doubts
