Public Enemies

Public Enemies
Starring Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Coltillard, and Billy Crudup

Michael Mann has had some hits in his time, and some near misses. With its lush images, close-ups that inject the audience into a character, and a few beautiful moments of film-making, "Public Enemies" would be one of his hits. However, the film also includes way to many characters to keep track of even for 143 minutes, a camera that needs a bit of stability from time to time, and actors that aren't so Batman-like.

According to IMDb, there are about 100 named character in "Public Enemies." Besides the cast above, Mann includes Giovanni Ribisi, Channing Tatum, LeeLee Sobieski, Stephen Dorff, Emilie de Ravin, and Lili Taylor, who are all very recognizable faces if not names. This causes a problem. If the film wants to focus on Depp and Bale with a bunch of scenes including Coltillard and Crudup, that's fine, but throwing in other known actors into the mix creates some confusion, especially when some of them barely have a line. It was as if the film wanted to justify itself as a pre-game for Awards season or something.

Johnny Depp was really the only great aspect of "Public Enemies." He drew us in, creating a humanistic side to his villain, John Dillinger, who ultimately was the protagonist. Christian Bale was a cold character, much like Josh Brolin in "Milk," however Bale provided no hint of weakness or humanity throughout the film, lacking a trait needed to match Depp's Dillinger.

Luckily Coltillard did not follow the path of most Oscar winners after they win the golden man (i.e. Halle Berry goes from "Monster's Ball" to "Catwoman"; Helen Mirren does "National Treasure 2" after winning for "The Queen"; and, of course, the infamous aftermath of "Ray" when Jamie Foxx starred in "Stealth," which i have yet to see on the grounds that I'm still boycotting the film), and she provides a solid non-Oscar-worthy performance as Dillinger's woman. She does have one scene at the end that is brilliant.

Mann's script lacked solidity and dragged for scene after scene, however, every bank robbery and jail escape worked as a tie that strung the film together. The excitement and tension outshone the dull scenes of dull dialogue. And one scene in particular, speaking of tension, that stood out above all is the one in which Depp struts into the police department, the police who are out to get him, and goes into Bale's character's office where all the files and pictures and clues are. All the police are out looking for him, and here he is, in the department, talking to some of the ignorant officers who don't notice him. It was perfect.

All in all, "Public Enemies" is what it is: a really great summer flick trying to be a winter consideration.

Grade: C+

Mini Movie Reviews

In Theaters:

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

An improvement from the first for two reasons and two reasons only: Amy Adams and Hank Azaria.

Grade: C





The Hangover

The first time I saw this hilarious rendition of the typical bachelor party movie, I laughed my effing ass off. I was nearly on the ground. Afterwards, I wasn't sure if I would like it a second time, kind of like "Rat Race." So, I gave it a B-. Then, after a few days, I was like, "I still like it... A LOT", so I gave it a B. Then I saw it for the second time. Did it withstand a sophomore viewing? HELL YES! "The Hangover" is one of the funniest, most original comedies I've seen in a long time. Without knowing why, one just loves it and laughs. But after an analysis of my love for Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis, I realize that not only do I see myself in their H.O. odyssey, but the structure of the film is brilliant for such a cliche overdone genre. Who knew that NOT showing the bachelor portion of the story would work better than showing it all! And, no worries - they show what happens one way or another (i.e. credits photo album).

Grade: B+


Land of the Lost

Will Ferrell nearly falls off the deep end in the comedic sense. He's losing his touch with the laughs; but luckily Danny McBride saves the entire film, despite shitty effects and costumes. Oh, and the poolside trip scene is THE BEST.

Grade: C


The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3

There are a few problems with this film and a few plus-sides: Problems? John Travolta. He doesn't become his character. He gives such a phony and laughable performance that when he performs acts of violence, ones we are supposed to be shocked and terrified by, we giggle. Plus-sides? Denzel Washington. He's true to his character, creating an Everyman set in an inescapable situation. He's the exact opposite of Travolta, which is a great thing.

Grade: C


Year One

If you're thinking about going to see this movie because you think Michael Cera is hilarious (which he is!), wait until the DVD comes out so you can fast forward through every non-Cera second. I guess Paul Rudd's scene is funny too, but I saw it in the previews. JUST GO SEE "THE HANGOVER" FOR THE SECOND OR THIRD TIME!!!

Grade: D-


Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

It's all about the people you go with. I was in Las Vegas, it was my last day of vacation, I wasn't in the mood for anything heavy or dramatic - all I wanted was to see shit blow up. And that is all you get from this sequel. Plus, a slow motion running Megan Fox, which bumps the grade from a D to the one below.

Grade: D+


On DVD or Internet:

The Young Victoria

Not even released in the United States, this British film is slightly boring (but ultimately good boring) and drags on, but with a sensational performance from Emily Blunt, as well as Rupert Friend, "The Young Victoria" proves better than most of the movies released in our country.

Grade: B


The Uninvited

Contrary to my cousin's belief that this is a great movie, "The Uninvited" deals no thrills or chills that are lasting, have the worst performances in the world, and has such a dumb ending, I couldn't believe they actually did it. The only, and I mean ONLY, reason this doesn't get a flat-out F, is because the Japanese version (the original) took many Shakespearean elements into consideration while creating the script, particularly from "Hamlet."

Grade: D-


Fanboys

There are some really funny parts and give it a shot if you want a laugh and like "Star Wars," but its subject a tad too narrow for me, and I couldn't get into it as much as I'd like to.

Grade: C





Notorious

All the performances are stellar in this biopic about Notorious B.I.G.'s life and death, however it felt more like an MTV movie than a Hollywood release.

Grade: C




Gran Torino

There were some good moments in Clint's latest, such as the barber shop scene, but come on - if you can't see the self-indulgence in "Torino," you might want to see the eye doctor.

Grade: C-


Bride Wars

I'm pretty sure that the only reason I didn't hate this movie, like everyone else, is because I didn't pay for it in the theaters. It was quick, decently funny, and it was good to see a few females (Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson) lead a film for once this year.

Grade: C


He's Just Not That Into You

Very much a contemporary Leo Tolstoy story, "He's Just Not That Into You" provides a third person omniscient point of view (which is kind of rare for such a big cast) and works every side of relationships, from crush to dating to going out to engagement to marriage and even divorce, and doesn't forget about the Facebook/texting era that we live in. And although, with such a huge cast, not everyone stood out, Jennifer Connelly gave a powerful performance as the wife being stepped on.

Grade: B


New in Town

Renee Zellweger, what the hell are you doing to your career??? Don't you remember early this century? "Chicago"? "Cold Mountain"? Come on!

Grade: D-