"Public Enemies," directed by Michael Mann, does a really nice job of visually taking you back to the look of the 1930's era, through great scenery, great rebuilt street sets, old cars, costumes and props.
All of the actors, (and there a lot of recognizable faces popping up in small appearances all over in this film), do a nice job with what they are given to do.
The weakness here for me is that this is a very plot-driven movie, with very little insight into Dillinger, his gang, or even the dogged FBI agent pursuing him. They also barely mention or refer to the ongoing hardships of the Depression of the time, which certainly played a role here in this story. Yet you really don't see it at all in any of these scenes. Everyone we see (except the jailed prisoners) looks like they're having a swell time.
The story basically just goes from one plot point to another until they've run out and the film ends.
I was looking for a chance to see beneath these infamous characters' outer shells who decades later are still almost celebrated with multiple books and movies. Who are these people, I wonder. This movie is not going to tell you.
For die-hard Depp or Bale fans, or fans of the Tommy gun, you'll likely enjoy it anyway.
