L.A. FILM FESTIVAL PREMIERE OF "PUBLIC ENEMIES"

This has been a huge week for Hollywood with premieres at the LA Film Festival, and last night was no different. Universal Pictures' "Public Enemies" starring Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Billy Crudup, and Academy Award winner Marion Cotillard, made its Los Angeles debut to a packed house eager to see this Michael Mann directed crime drama. This true story centers around the notorious bank robber, John Dillinger and his group of crime misfits including Babyface Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd who terrorized the American banking industry during the Great Depression in the 1930's. Depp, the extrodinary and versatile actor that he is, nailed the role of Dillinger flawlessly, and look for a great performance from Crudup as a frustrated J. Edgar Hoover, who had a failing FBI task force but wanted to get ahold of the elusive Dillinger who was always one step ahead of the law with his many jail breakouts and disappearing acts. Marion Cotillard gave a fantastic performance as Billie Frechette, a downtrodden coat check girl who is swept off her feet by the ever so charming Dillinger, and fights to protect her man until the very end. If you like gunslinging and never ending shootouts, then you will love this flick.

The after party, held at the Hammer Museum in Westwood where Babyface Cocktails made with Rose's Cranberry Twist were served, drew the stars of the film as well as other on-screen talent. Actress Rosario Dawson in bright red lipstick and a 1960's dressed Marion Cotillard had fun gabbing and snapping pictures together in the courtyard. Stephen Dorff aka Homer Van Meter in the flick, spent most of the night chatting with family and close friends, and even escorted his proud grandmother around the soiree. Dapper Christian Bale entertained his several tables of supporters and made an early exit from the bash. A well guarded Johnny Depp, with several bodyguards in tow, remained ensconsed in the Universal Pictures' VIP area, but made time to converse with mega producer Jerry Bruckheimer. And yes, Depp looks just as good as ever!

Universal Pictures' "Public Enemies" opens in theaters July 1, 2009.