Early ‘Public Enemies’ Reviews Hint Johnny Depp Might Be Proficient Actor

After the controversy that ended production on Public Enemies beneath a pall of suspicion and busted craft-services morale, we are relived to hear today that Michael Mann’s gangster epic survived — and maybe even flourished.

Enemies was the subject of a Sherman Oaks test screening over the weekend, reviews of which have been pieced together from message boards and other outlets of a mostly happy viewership. Loath to major spoilers as we are, we’ve chosen a few, more subtle highlights to illuminate what you have to look forward to from the Depp-Bale-Cotillard saga:

· “To watch Johnny’s face go through all the emotions he’s feeling is just incredible.”

· “THE MAIN THING THAT BOTHERED ME MOST? The handheld cameras. Really did not like the handheld cameras. During the shoot outs I felt like I was in a video game and that took me out of the movie and it just pissed me off. I couldn’t think of why Michael Mann decided to film the movie like that.”

· “As for the film needing “tightening”-possibly. I’m not sure what else could be cut, but then again, I know the story so it wasn’t difficult for me to follow. I noticed a few camera shakes which may have been unintentional (or maybe intentional?) The gunfire is very loud which I didn’t mind, but some might think it too loud.”

· “[N]o sex scenes to speak of – just enough to show that [John Dillinger] & Billie were totally connected. (Sorry ladies….I would’ve liked a scene or two, it wasn’t really necessary to the story.)”

· “Bale was not developed enough. Thought his accent was great and he was very believable, but I think more time should have spent on his character than say Baby Face Nelson. There were a couple other side characters I didn’t care about either, but it didn’t ruin the experience for me. Marion Cotillard. What can I say other that she’s beautiful and talented.”

· “Just bring your kleenex.”

• Test Screening Reviews: Michael Mann’s ‘Public Enemies’ [/Film via NYP]