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Catch Me If You Can (2002)

thereviewers
Feb 10, 2015
2 min read

Catch Me If You Can is a film inspired by the true story of Frank Abagnale JR who cashed millions of pounds worth of fraudulent cheques before his 21st birthday, while passing himself off as a Pilot, Doctor, and a Lawyer along the way.

Overall Review Score

8 out of 10

Review

Catch Me If You Can is a film that took longer to develop, as it was first started in 1980 and was finished in 2002 (22 years), then it did for Frank Abagnale JR to successfully pull off one of the most audacious and unbelievable crimes in US history. Director Steven Spielberg's insistance that the films must accurately portray Frank Abagnale JR's life ensured that the cat and mouse game between the FBI and Frank Abagnale JR grounded the film in realism and helps the audience understand the mindset of Frank Abagnale JR as he comits his crime. Thisrewards the audience by taking them on a thrilling biographical rollercoaster ride through the early life of Abagnale (Leonardo DiCaprio), as he charms his way through the film and makes millions of dollars through bogus cheques. While the film is exciting and entertaining, it does break from reality by changing the name of the real-life FBI Agent who pursued and eventually caught Frank Abagnale from Joe Shea to Carl Hanratty (portrayed by Tom Hanks) and by having Frank interact with his father as his commit his crimes, which did not happen in real-life. However, these subtle breaks from reality do not actually harm the film instead, they serve to further intensify the relationship between Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio and help the audience to understand the mind sight of Frank as he commits his crimes. Overall, Catch Me If You Can is an exceptional biographical film that entertains from start to finish; its rich storyline draws the audience in and never lets go, as they are embroiled further into the unique and heart-pounding game of cat and mouse that unfolds. Catch Me If You Can, similarly to the crimes of Frank Abagnale JR, is a film that will stay with the audience and be remembered infamously even after the credits have rolled.

Reviewer 1's score & comments:

Score: 8 out of 10

Comments:

DiCaprio and Hanks pull out stunning performances in this biographical account of Frank Abagnale JR. A thrilling game of cat and mouse as DiCaprio tries to keep one-step ahead of the FBI, who are chasing him for his fraudulent cheque cashing.

Reviewer 2's score & comments:

Score: 8 out of 10

Comments:

Catch Me If You Can is a film that is both beautifully acted and directed. It perfectly showcases the ideal that sometimes life is stranger than fiction by detailing how Frank Abagnale JR, an intelligent teenager, managed to engage in fraudulent cheque cashing while getting away with it by posing as a Pilot, Lawyer and Doctor. While the FBI, portrayed through Tom Hanks, has the 'wool pulled over their eyes' throughout this film - it is a great yarn that was electric, enjoyable, and entertaining from start to finish.