Buy the DVD:

Sponsored Links:

Catch Me If You Can

When Leonardo DiCaprio does a role he truly commits to it, immersing himself in a portrayal of a character that’s beyond convincing-—it’s real. After a few awkward years (and awful films) following the smash success of "Titanic" DiCaprio returned to good standing with "Catch Me If You Can" starring alongside Tom Hanks and Christopher Walken. While DiCaprio himself is in his thirties he successfully played the real-life Mozart of forgery & fraud, (teenager) Frank Abagnale Jr. Hanks played Carl Hanratty, the detective who finally brings him down (and brings him to work for the FBI).

Hanks is no slouch in the acting department, either, no doubt drawn to this film by his buddy, Steven Spielberg. Many overlook that beneath Hank’s realistic portrayals of characters-—no matter how immoral they may be-—there’s clever humor. He brings this humor (blatant in movies like A League of Their Own) to his role as Abagnale Jr.’s pursuer, creating nuance and tension to a role that could be merely antagonistic. By the end of the film we don’t know whether to sympathize with Abagnale Jr. or Hanratty, who, after years of following breadcrumbs, will finally get his prize.

And Christopher Walken? Beneath his steely, New York exterior is a great deal of humor also. He’s brilliant as Frank Abagnale (Sr.): his son’s hero, mentor, and ideal man. But in the end Walken is adept at raising the question as to whether he was truly the best role-model.

The plot is an entertaining cops and robbers chase, but the real reason to own this movie is the Oscar-worthy performances by everyone. Also, Abagnale Jr.’s schemes will amaze you in their simplicity and efficacy.

Written by: Katherine E. Webb

Reviewers Rating: 9
Reader's Rating: 0
Reader's Votes: 0

Rate It