On Wednesday, Johnny Depp is back on the big screen in “Public Enemies,” playing legendary gangster John Dillinger, a man who loves “baseball, movies, good clothes, fast cars”–and robbing banks.

The Oscar-nominated Depp is perhaps the most talented–and publicity shy–actor of his generation.

 Loading …

Joe’s take: Although my wife would ditch me for him, I don’t begrudge Depp his looks or his talent. He’s for real.  However, I think the mean-spirited hit “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is overrated (and the seemingly mean-spirited–but fundamentally life-affirming–flop “The Libertine” is underrated).

At the risk of losing my critics license, I admit to actually liking the “Pirates” movies. But my favorite flick of his is probably “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” Depp adored Hunter S. Thompson and did a wonderful job narrating the documentary “Gonzo.”

Next up for JD: “Alice in Wonderland,” from longtime collaborator Tim Burton, and the gumshoe flick “The Rum Diary.”