Not only does the start of this second part of the Mesrine films tell you what happens at the end (after the start of the first part STRONGLY hinted at it), some posters have the rather iconic image of Mesrine's fate. Considering his career options and the notoriety of the case (although, I had heard of the guy, just not what he did) it was somewhat obvious how it was all going to end for him, but just in case I shall endeavor to try and not mention the films conclusion as much as possible.
Public Enemy #1 starts off where Killer Instinct left off, with a slightly rushed series of events leave Mesrine (Vincent Cassel, still in a performance of a lifetime) in court, where he attempts another truly barmy stunt which sets the second part in motion. As you may remember from my review of the first film (see HERE for that) I had issues with the films timeline jumping too rapidly, although in Public Enemy #1 the problem still remains, mainly in the first half hour or so, it's on a much smaller scale than in Killer Instinct.
As well as Cassel's powerhouse performance, another notable showing is from Mathieu Amalric (whom you probably know as Bond's nemesis in Quantum Of Solace) as Francois Besse, who Mesrine befriends during another prison stay, and later becomes the straight man as Mesrine spins dangerously out of control, basking in the publicity and glory of becoming Public Enemy #1. There's some great scenes where you can tell that he feels honour bound to Mesrine, but totally exasperated with him at the same time.
With a longer running time too, the film has a much more deliberate pace, but keeps the tension of the first part. It's hard to believe that Mesrine actually pulled some of the crimes covered in the film, some of it is so crazy (like the aforementioned court scene) it just sounds like something out of a particularly O.T.T. Hollywood blockbuster.
And as for the ending, even without the flash forwards at the start of each film, it's still pretty inevitable. Even Mesrine himself knew it was coming, but the films conclusion still makes for incredibly tense viewing.
Overall, the two films were an enjoyable viewing experience for me, and while I wouldn't go nuts and say I was "let down" or anything with the films way of introducing certain characters, and how certain events that I would deem important were glossed over with a line of dialogue sufficing as explanation, I do wish they had just taken even just an extra 15 minutes per part just to flesh things out a bit. If they had (or maybe if a Director's Cut or something surfaces one day) there would have been two 5 star films right here.
****
A much slower pace ranks this part over the first, but still has a few niggling problems that plagued the first one for me. Still great action and many a tense scene, some great emotional stuff and Vincent Cassel in the performance of his life. Can't say fairer than that.
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