Review of Mesrine: Public Enemy #1 (2008) by Keith ? — 02 Dec 2009

Superb second part to Mesrine's story. Cassel is yet again an absolute powerhouse who acts his magnificent supporting cast off the screen. He's matched perhaps only by Mathieu Amalric, who can convey a change in mood with his eyes alone.

The script is wonderful and truly funny at times. The film is painfully tense at times, and features a frighteningly brutal scene of violence, which is impressively done to stand out in a film filled with acts of violence.

Two things alone let this film down to be a slightly less enjoyable experience than its predecessor: the score, primarily, which is at times annoyingly intrusive (while at others successfully works to build tension).

Secondly, the female character in this film is far less likeable and engaging than the two (and more) who feature in part one. These are but small quibbles, though - I look forward to watching both parts back-to-back!