Movie review: Catch Me If You Can

 At only 21 years old, Frank is already skilled at forging documents and changing his identity from doctor to lawyer to pilot. And when FBI agent Carl makes it his mission to take him down, Frank realizes he enjoys the pursuit as much as he does changing his identity.

Leonardo DiCaprio (Frank Abagnale Jr.), Tom Hanks (Hanratty), Christopher Walken (Frank, Dad), Martin Sheen (Roger), Amy Adams (Brenda), James Brolin (Jack), Brian Howe (Amdursky), Jennifer Garner (Cheryl).

Catch Me If You Can starts at the end, goes back to the beginning, then bounces around between the two until meeting in the middle. While this can be a bit confusing at times trying to understand where we are in the timeline, the story moves along well.
The story of con-man turned security consultant Frank Abagnale Jr. is fairly well known true story retold by others and Frank himself over the years. Catch Me If You Can does a nice job of bringing the story to life on screen. The film moves along at a good pace and it is enjoyable to see how Frank developed emotionally and how he behaved as a con man.

Acting was very good with both Walked and DiCaprio delivering exceptionally well throughout. Hanks was solid as well and fit nicely in the film. Sheen, Brolin, and Garner were also well cast and added nicely to the film. Adams, Howe, and the remainder of the supporting cast delivered well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are all nicely done with a solid, authentic feel. Mild action scenes are good and fitting. Dialogue was varied, moved at a good pace, and was engaging throughout. Sound and soundtrack are managed well.

Catch Me If You Can is a nicely done retelling of Frank's life as a con man. Technical work is solid, but acting really makes this one shine. Those who enjoy real life crime drama should enjoy this one quite a bit.

With some sexuality, violence, gore, and foul language, this one is fine for teens and above.

Released: 2002
Reviewed: 1.14.21
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Crime, Drama, Biography, Stories based on Real Life

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