My friend Vera Marie Badertscher wrote a great post on her blog, A Traveler’s Library, about how Johnny Depp’s new movie "Public Enemies" is promoting tourism in Chicago and surrounding states. Is this a good thing? I guess it is, if you’re part of the tourism trade in that region.
Vera writes that she’s "never sure whether to be amused or perplexed when bad guys become tourist attractions." I quite agree!
She goes on to say: "And now we have the reckless, not-too-bright, ruthless John Dillinger indirectly doing good for his home state of Indiana, his hideaway state of Wisconsin … [Read More]

Movie: Public Enemies * Trailer * 6 Clips * Images * Official Site
In Theaters: July 1, 2009

Runtime: 140 minutes
Directed by: Michael Mann

MPAA Rating: R for gangster violence and some language
Gecko Rating:

I wondered if "Public Enemies" would romanticize the gangster life, and it sort of does. But it also gives the other side of the story – the blood, violence, and nastiness.
Still, this movie mostly romanticizes it, mainly because Johnny Depp is just so darn cute. What girl could resist his charms, gangster or not? Plus, I think he’s actually getting better looking as he gets older. … [Read More]

I’m giddy over the release of "Public Enemies" next Wednesday, July 1, 2009. Here are a few clips of the premiere, with Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard and Leelee Sobieski talking tommy guns, cars and fedoras.
Thanks to MTV for the videos, and check out all of Film Gecko’s "Public Enemies" coverage!
Johnny Depp: What motivates an outlaw? 

There’s a great story on Johnny Depp in the July issue of Vanity Fair. Here’s an excerpt from writer Douglas Brinkley, who joined the 46-year-old star on his 156-foot yacht in the Caribbean:
"I am, as it happens, a guest on the private island of Johnny Depp. For reasons that surely once made sense, this 45-acre Bahamian dollop appears on maps as Little Hall’s Pond Cay. And this idyllic stretch of sand has been re-christened by the actor as Lily Rose Beach, after his 10-year-old daughter. We are surrounded by silver buttonwood, mangrove thickets, flowering plants, and a huge … [Read More]

The release date for “Public Enemies” is fast approaching – July 1, 2009! – and I’ve got a few new clips below. Also check out 9 images, official site info, trailers here and here, and a 30-second clip.
Directed by Michael Mann, the movie tells the story of charismatic gangster John Dillinger (Johnny Depp), whose bank raids made him the number one target of J. Edgar Hoover (Billy Crudup) and his fledgling FBI, including agent Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale).
The story also delves into Dillinger’s girlfriend Bill Frechette (Marion Cotillard), and his gang, including Baby Face Nelson (Stephen Graham) and … [Read More]

“Public Enemies” hits theaters July 1, 2009, and it’s one of my most anticipated movies of the year.
Directed by Michael Mann, it tells the story of charismatic gangster John Dillinger (Johnny Depp), whose bank raids made him the number one target of J. Edgar Hoover (Billy Crudup) and his fledgling FBI, including agent Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale).
The story also delves into Dillinger’s girlfriend Bill Frechette (Marion Cotillard), and his gang, including Baby Face Nelson (Stephen Graham) and Alvin Karpis (Giovanni Ribisi). Hoover made Dillinger America’s first “Public Enemy Number One” and sent in Purvis, the dashing “Clark Gable … [Read More]

If you’ve been impatiently awaiting the release of “Public Enemies” with Johnny Depp, you are not alone, my friends. The movie hits theaters July 1, 2009, and the official Web site is up and running.
The gangster flick stars Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard and Billy Crudup, and is directed by Michael Mann. I’m a big fan of his dating back to his “Crime Story” days. Also check out the “Public Enemies” Facebook Page and follow Universal Pictures on Twitter.
On the Web site:

Michael Mann’s Insights & Images:  Learn more about acclaimed director, co-writer, and producer Michael Mann
Crimewave: The … [Read More]

Movie: Terminator Salvation * Trailer * 53 Images * Official Site
In Theaters: May 21, 2009

Runtime: 130 minutes
Directed by: McG

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and language.
Gecko Rating:

I love sequels that bring in lots of references from the preceding movies. “Terminator Salvation” does that, especially from the very first movie, “The Terminator.” 
You remember the story: Linda Hamilton’s Sarah Connor meets Kyle Reese, who was sent back from the future to keep her safe from Arnold Schwarzenegger’s big, bad Terminator. In the process, Sarah and Kyle grow close, and she gets pregnant with John … [Read More]

“Terminator Salvation” hits theaters Thursday, May 21, 2009 (today!). And it’s definitely one of the most anticipated movies of 2009. HitFix.com has a bunch of cool videos of interviews and behind-the-scenes stuff. I’ve included a few below. I always expect Christian Bale to haul off and hit someone. That’s bad typecasting on my part, but you’ve gotta admit, he does seem pretty intense. Are you super-psyched for this movie?
Christian Bale:

"Terminator Salvation" hits theaters next Friday, May 21, 2009, but the stars came out in full force at the red carpet premiere in Los Angeles on Thursday. Hollyscoop.com caught up with Christian Bale, Bryce Dallas Howard, Dan Lin, Sam Worthington, and Tyrese Gibson.
Also check out these Film Gecko links: Interview with Michael Papajohn, 53 images, 4-minute trailer, 3rd official trailer.