The Dillenger Escape Plan...

Rating: 8/10 (4 July 2009)

1933 The hunt for Dillenger has intensified & Edgar Hoover & his Bureau of Investigation are looking to put an end to the era of Robin Hood bank robbers. Michael Mann employs all of his best skills here & never being too impressed in the past by his style of camera work here it works very well. Christian Bale plays a more subtle version of himself than were used to as Melvin Purvis & it is a relief. Depp as well steps away from the over the top caricatures he usually plays to reminds us just why we fell in love with him to begin with. I think the biggest complaint people have is how the movie doesn't really focus on anything specific. Which for me was fine watching Public Enemies was like getting a glimpse of that time period instead of an autobiography of one man. Depp at one point when asked who he is rattles off a pitch perfect line of Dillengers life & that was enough for me & all that needed to be said. Mann should be applauded for juggling so many aspects of this time in one movie without ever losing sight of the principle objective. Does it feel a little undercooked again not to me. You could make 5 or 6 or more movies out of this yet I don't think they would be 1/2 as interesting to watch as Public Enemies. There are also a wide range of supporting actors some known some not that add little splashes of color through this movie. Public Enemies works for me & serves as a nice break form the normal crash bang boom of other summer movies out there right now. Also of note 6 people walked out midway through the showing of Public Enemies I saw. Which really made me want to follow them out & politely ask why. To each their own I guess.