Depp Makes This Movie More Than Average

Rating: 7/10 (17 September 2014)

I recently called Michael Mann's 'Public Enemies' a missed opportunity, having only seen it once, (in the cinema when it was released) I decided to revisit it. And my feelings have not changed much, it's better than I remembered, but not by much.
Back when this was made Depp was still one of my top 10 actors, but sadly there is something missing in his work since early to mid 00's (with the exception of Sweeney Todd) as he seems to be lost in big budget sequels to the 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' and underwhelming movies. Whilst this is his best movie since Sweeney Todd, it still falls flat. Then scene between him and Bale in the prison should have radiated chemistry (see the Sly Stallone and Mel Gibson scene in the van in Expendables 3 as an example of how it should be done.) but there is nothing there. Just two actors saying the words. Depp seems very into his role, and is the best thing in the movie, effectively carrying it on his own.
Giovani Ribsi, Stephen Dorff, Channing Tatum, Carey Mulligan offer Stellar support and Casey Siemaszko (who I've always been a fan of, and deem to be an under rated actor) is here too as is Al Capone from TV's 'Boardwalk Empire' actor Stephen Graham as "Baby Face" Nelson. Leelee Sobieski brightens the picture with a small role late on. She is a talented actress, that I find very attractive.
But for me Adam Mucci as Agent Harold Reinecke is the stand out supporting performer as he is one of those actors who makes you hate his character.
I think the problem with this movie is Mann's direction and Bale. Bale who is a talented actor is merely going through the motions and offers nothing of note here. As for Mann he directed 'Heat' which I loved, and hoped for something similar here.
All in all Depp carries this movie above the average line.