MOVIE: Catch Me If You Can
Starring Leonardo Di Caprio,
Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Written by Jeff Nathanson
Dreamworks Films
Reviewed by Rusty Pipes

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Catch Me If You Can is the true story of check forger Frank Abagnale Jr. There are two interesting things about Frank. First, he was able to take on new identities from a pilot to a lawyer and still be believable. Second, he did all of his playacting and forgery, plus eluding the authorities for several years, when he was still a teenager. The "authorities" in the movie centers on one guy, Carl Hanratty, who doggedly pursued our young paper hanger like Inspector Javert in Les Miserables, or The Fugitive if you prefer, finally catching him in 1969. Javert though never developed the rapport with his quarry that Hanratty does and their jousting adds an interesting element to what could have been just another caper film.

Unlike most big screen criminals Frank is not violent, so Steven Spielberg is able to turn his story into light comedy. After the first half hour of getting to know Frank and his family, it's one long chase scene through the early 60s. Spielberg nails the 60s ambiance perfectly of course, but the scope is much smaller than the usual Spielberg epic; obviously there's no need for the cutting edge graphics like we saw in his last thriller, Minority Report. To his credit Steven simply keeps Catch Me well in control as a people story.

The acting is all top drawer, but not overwhelmingly so. It's funny that Di Caprio who's now 28 can pass easily for a 17 year old, whereas the real Frank was a 17 year old who easily passed as 28. He's very comfortable in the role and looks like he's having fun; he almost makes you want to take up check forgery as a hobby. The ever capable Tom Hanks tries on a Boston accent as Hanratty. I'm no New Englander but it sounded perhaps a bit too nasal and stilted. It's a small quibble though, the rest of his performance was flawless. Martin Sheen fares better in this department, trotting out his Southern accent (last heard as General Lee in Gettysburg) in a small role as Frank's prospective father-in-law, but his accent goes down as smooth as Kentucky bourbon. A purist would say it was supposed to be New Orleans bourbon though. The ever manic Christopher Walken has the best performance in the film as the hounded Frank Senior. If he was on screen just a little longer he'd probably get a Best Supporting Actor Nomination.

All told, Catch Me If You Can is very entertaining and certain to become a staple on cable and broadcast TV for years to come. I wonder if the real Frank's experience was so glamorous.

The Skinny:
Am I glad I saw the movie? Yes
Would I go to see it again? Sure, but I don't think I need to see it again on the big screen.

© 2003 - Rusty Pipes