Its 1933 – Golden gangster time in America – when Pretty Boy Floyd, Baby Face Nelson and John Dillinger (Johnny Depp) rule as notorious bank robbers. Sitting in the theater, you continually chuckle at the stunts criminals could get away with back in the day. Michael Mann directs as only Michael Mann can do with precise detail, color, transitions and the classy-edge he’s known for in his usual good guy/bad guy films, always with a male camaraderie angle. Christian Bale plays the very monotone FBI agent Melvin Purvis but its Jason Clarke (from TV’s “Brotherhood”) in his performance as “Red” that really catches our attention. He’s got conflictions that balance on angelic and evil and it shows in every move on his face. Dillion falls for the coat check girl, Billie (Oscar winner Marion Cotillard) sweeping her off his feet with his overviews of status and wealth. “Most people are only interested in where they come from. I’m interested in where I’m going…” Unfortunately, Cotillard’s character has more to worry about then her bank robbing man’s motives. The two have zero chemistry on screen. One can’t help but think “Where’s Angelina Jolie when you really need her?” But the biggest question of all – as we watch the gangster car escape time and time again – is why don’t the cops just shoot their tires? Nevertheless, it’s a classy sweeping film in the style of “Bugsy” and one of the summer’s best. Three and a half tiaras
