Oscar for Depp...Top Marks for the rest

Rating: 8/10 (2 January 2010)

OK, firstly Johnny Depp is once again outstanding; he deserves an Oscar for a long time and his performance as Dillinger adds more meat to that.
Depp stars as John Dillinger, a 1930's bank robber who rises to be hailed as America's Public Enemy No.1 hotly pursued by Agent Purvis (Bale). I'll not go into too much detail as you must see the movie, however, I will tell you that the movie follows the story of Dillinger and his many daring and brave robberies and jail escapes while dealing with his personal life and problems.
Many people call this movie shallow and that it is missing a certain 'it' factor but I disagree. The movie is based on a true story which cannot be enhanced to be more entertaining with dramatic twists; Dillinger is Dillinger and is portrayed as such. Granted, there are a few historical differences (times of death, affairs etc) but these are not noticed unless you read about Dillinger and are petty.
Depp's performance is superb and definitely boosts the movie, the cinematography is also really good as is Bale's performance. All in all this is a very entertaining, interesting and gripping movie with a few minor hicks that are easily overlooked when weighed against the good points.
I personally enjoyed one of the soundtracks, Ten Million slaves by Otis Taylor and this was played at the most appropriate places and really adds to the atmosphere; yet another plus point.
8/10 and definitely recommended