Public Enemies


release year: 2009
genre: gangster action/drama
viewing setting: theater, 7/11/09

synopsis: This is a mostly-accurate account of bank robber John Dillinger and the newly-created FBI's hunt for him.

impressions: This is probably the best (modern) movie made on this subject. The Dillinger we see here reminds me of a friend I had in middle school - he was a total badass but he wouldn't tone down his exploits, which meant he was destined to go out in a blaze of glory someday. Another point ofthis movie is how the FBI had to change its tactics/methods (including brutality during interrogations) in order to successfully stop the gangsters.

something this movie has that no other movie has: .

acting: Johnny Depp actually has a somewhat non-quirky role as Dillinger. Christian Bale is the FBI agent who's assigned to stop him. Marion Cotillard is the woman who (for reasons I couldn't comprehend) Dillinger falls for, and vice versa. Channing Tatum is Pretty Boy Floyd, who's far too stupid to enjoy the money he steals. Stephen Lang is good as a tough Texas cop who helps the FBI.

final word: Good gangster action.

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