Good rather than great

Rating: 5/10 (9 July 2009)

I must admit that I have a big problem with Michael Mann movies. His movies are extremely stylish and it always seems like every single shot is carefully considered and crafted. His films look great, but I always find this very distracting. Rather than sitting back and enjoying the movie, I find myself considering the lighting and camera angles.
Anyway as per usual Public Enemies looks extremely good on the big screen. It tells the story of the early FBI investigation of John Dillinger, the gangster who was popular with the public. Christian Bale plays Melvin Purvis who is tasked with hunting down Dillinger played by Johnny Depp. The leads are played quite nicely, but you are never drawn into any of the characters. I can't help feeling it should have been more engaging, but it looks great on screen. It's classic Mann.