Review of Catch Me If You Can (2002) by Blake P — 31 Jan 2013

After seeing many of his movies, I've found that it's impossible for Steven Spielberg to make a film that isn't terrific. While "Catch Me If You Can" isn't necessarily his best movies, it's still excellent, showcasing the filmmaker's talent to act as a chameleon in nearly every genre while also cementing Leonardo DiCaprio's status as one of the best actors of our generation.

Frank Abagnale Jr. (DiCaprio) is a normal American teenager-- he's smart, talented, and has two loving parents (Christopher Walken, Nathalie Baye). After his dad lands a new job, the family moves to a new city. On his first day of school, Frank decides it would be fun and interesting to pose as the substitute teacher; and he gets away with it. Realizing he has a knack for "tricking" people, Frank gets away with posing as an airline pilot, a banker, a doctor, and more, all the while forging checks. While most of these adventures are successful, it has a negative effect on his family life, and he can't seem to settle down when he wants. And FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) is constantly hot on his tail.

"Catch Me If You Can" is a good example of just how deliciously interesting a biographical film can be; luckily, with Spielberg's knack for style and wit, the film itself is breezy and enjoyable. While it may be good for a standard 90-minute movie, it runs a little bit long at two-and-a-half hours. Nevertheless, this film is much better than most, so any flaw it has is almost a treat, because it's a likable flaw.

While it may not ever be too deep, "Catch Me If You Can" acts as a good vehicle for DiCaprio, who is so perfect that he overshadows every single one of his actors. Almost thirty, with a resume already filled with impressive films, DiCaprio reflects the character he plays in some way, both talented wunderkinds that amaze us with every move they make. The more impressive one in my opinion, is the actor himself. To play such a immoral character, all the while making him charming and likable is difficult, but he pulls it off with ease, yet again proving to the world why he's an actor that's forced to be reckoned with. Even more impressive is that he plays a teenager, without any stereotypical behavior. Hanks, Walken, Baye, and Adams are all great actors, but they seem like shadows in comparison.

"Catch Me If You Can" only has one flaw-- and that's its running time. Other than that, this is a light, entertaining film that succeeds in making the viewer interested, and creating a warm, sweet atmosphere.