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+

A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints

A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints (DVD)
Starring Roberty Downey Jr., Shia LaBeouf, Chazz Palminterri, Rosario Dawson, & Channing Tatum

This is one of those goldmines in modern cinema. "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints," written, directed, and based on the book by Dito Montiel, tells the true-life story of life in Queens during an era of violence, racial prejudices, and hopeful teens. Dito's story is illustrated through the memories kept by his older self (Robert Downey Jr.) of his once innocent and naive teenage self (Shia LaBeouf). Dito, friends with the rumbling brawler Antonio, impeccably played by rising star Channing Tatum, is bombarded with mixed emotions and situations from every level of the playing field. Jealously of Antonio sets in when Dito's father, Monty (Chazz Palminteri), becomes quickly fond of the street hooligan. Love ignites between Dito and Laurie, a local girl played by Melanie Diaz in the past and Rosario Dawson in the present, who wants more than just puppy love and is led on by Dito's promises. A Puerto Rican gangster hits Queens as he graffittis the streets and terrorizes Dito and Antonio.

Dito's only mode of survival is escaping Queens. Hope finds its way into his life through a Scotish kid named Mike (Martin Compsten) who helps Dito find a job walking dogs and brings dreams of setting off for California. Dito is determined, but single-minded Monty thinks differently.

"Recognizing Your Saints" is explosively heartfelt, especially in the scenes between LaBeouf, Palmenterri and Tatum. This trio of talent grasps your insides and twists them around. Their portrayal of their characters is admirable and saddening that movies like this don't come around often. Downey Jr. and Palmenteri also have great on-screen caliber, when the older Dito comes back to Queens to take his sick and bullheaded dad to the hospital.

With wonderful performances for its supporting cast including Dawson, Diaz, Dianne Wiest, Anthony DeSando, and a long list of unknown talents, "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints," a paramount coming-of-age story, is not only one of the best movies of 2006, but one of the best I've ever seen.

Grade: A