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He was labeled by FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover as public enemy number one. He was a hero to many Americans who thrilled to his exploits as he easily knocked off banks around the country.

The last years of Dillinger's life are brought to the screen, but director Michael Mann offers up little in the way of showing us how the famed outlaw got to that point. It's almost like half the movie is missing as he starts at mid-point with no attempt at a backstory.

What we do see is Dillinger's arrest and escape from prison as he's hunted by FBI agent Melvin Purvis, who's played quite well by Christian Bale.

Dillinger's romantic interest is a coat check girl who happily goes along for the ride, played nicely by Oscar winner Marion Cotillard.

Johnny Depp turns in a charismatic performance playing Dillinger, for the most part, as a likeable dapper guy, who is smart and calculating. As depicted in the film, he's a foolish romantic, who also just happens to be a cold blooded killer. He's also trying to live his life to the fullest, in whatever time he has left before the lawmen catch up with him.

The supporting cast all do a fine job and the attention to period design as well as the cinematography are first rate. It's the narrative and the overall direction that are problematic. A long machine gun scene in the woods, is not only overly gratuitous, it's confusing as to who exactly is getting shot.

The terrific performances and tremendous production values elevate the material. And even though the movie does work on numerous levels, once it's all over, one walks away having wanted a more complete, impactful experience. We all know the outcome and Mann doesn't go out of his way to make us that emotionally invested.

"Public Enemies" opens in theatres this week.

Neil Rosen's Big Apple Rating: 2.5 Apples