By the time you reach the second half of the biopic, it starts to get pretty repetitive. This is more action than gangster movie, and, while it developed the character of Mesrine more than the part 2, didn't seem to add much else.

less engaging than the first film, just a weary plod through the exploits of Mesrine without actually taking you anywhere. Painting by numbers.

The first one was good, this one is great. Some may prefer the humble beginning of the story, but for me, this second installment, in which Mesrine rises and falls, is the more enjoyable. Cassell is phenomenal again, and Mathieu Amalric is also excellent. A little less grim than the first, still very tense and overall a thoroughly enjoyable watch.

Even more of a mess than the first part. Mesrine's motivations are never truly revealed, and every 30 minutes there's a new lover and a new accomplice, which destroys any hope of consistency. The same cycle of robbery, shoot-out, chase and capture is repeated about 4 times - in other words the story is non-existent. Also, how many times do Mesrine or his pals get shot in the arm, leg or stomach before making a miraculous recovery? Feels like the longest, slowest action film I ever saw.

More chaotic and action oriented than part 1. For me, it misses the epic that part 1 set up and goes for the popcorn flick. Still, it ties up a GREAT crime story.

Part 1 was the classic mafia movie and now part 2 is more like an action move. But not the dumb kind since this one describes mostly the on-going fall of Mesrine due to his uncontrollable ego. Cassel is just as marvellous as in the first part. 14/07/09

http://gorgview.com/mesrine-public-enemy-1

It's more of the same in this second part of the biopic. Lots of thrilling action and suspense with some fleeting glimpses into Mesrine's character. Cassel once again excels as Mesrine.

Excellent.

"According to this lofty mandate, the film shouldn't be judged as a historically meretricious account." - Simon Abrams

Good Movie

I kind of liked the first part more than this. This movie has more action than the first one. Still a great movie, a must watch biopic duology.

Incredible story direction and acting

This sagged a bit for me after the pace of the first part. The breathing space should have allowed us to get under Mesrine's skin but I just didn't get Cassel's portrayal of him.

Being a biopic, this lived and died on its main character, and Cassel knocked it out of the park, playing Mesrine as a suave, charismatic badass, while still retaining the ruthlessness to make sure we always know he's a villain. The direction was also very good, making use of a bunch of different techniques yet having nothing seem out of place.

As good as part one. Must see if you are into gangster movies.