Public Enemies is my favorite film of summer 2009 so far!

Rating: 10/10 (14 July 2009)

Michael Mann's Public Enemies can be best described as The Untouchables meets his 1995 hit Heat. Johnny Depp, back in serious mode, plays notorious 1930's bank robber, John Dillinger who leads his gang of bank robbers, known as the "public enemies" robbing banks all over the country. He steals money from the banks and gives it to the little guy. On the other side of the law is Melvin Pervis, FBI agent, played very well by Christian Bale in a nice return to dramatic form after starring in one of the biggest action films of all time.
And in the best role of the film, recent Oscar winner, Marion Cotillard, plays Dillinger's loyal girlfriend, Billie Frechette. The film spans several years, involves the capture and escape by Dillinger in a maximum security prison, only to have the FBI led by Hoover, assign Pervis to bring in "public enemy #1" John Dillinger.
As a fan of gangster movies, this one is near the best filled with terrific acting, great dialog, and top notch directing by Michael Mann. Depp, Bale, and Cotilliard all stand out in their roles, and, even minor characters such as Pretty Boy Floyd are allowed to stand out. Heck, even famous gangsters like Frank Nitti show up in Chicago. All in all, a tragic ending to one of this country's most famous bank robbers, and easily the best film by Michael Mann since his 1995 Heat. Despite the mild reception from some critics, this is my pick of the best film of the summer so far.
I'll be laughed at by some for saying this, but I really feel that with the academy now picking 10 nominations for best picture, Public Enemies should be one of them!
Three and a half stars out of four! A must see!