Decent film, but deviates from facts of story.

Rating: 7/10 (5 July 2009)

By itself, Public Enemies is a fairly decent movie that recreates the atmosphere of the time, the so called golden era of bank robberies through the escapades of John Dillenger. I especially give high marks to the recreation of some of the bank heists and shootings that took place. However, the major failure of this film is its deviation from the facts. Most of us generally understand that movies rooted in true stories will at times stray from the facts to make the story more profitable. What deeply disappointed me was how wide a deviation was taken in a number areas, especially the Little Bohemia shootout. If they had stuck to the facts, they still would have had a good film. Sadly, they decided not to. Would I recommend the film, yes. But do not consider it true fact and take the time to actually read up on what really happened.