Catch me if you Can may not be one of director Steven Spielberg’s better films to date, and in fact it isn’t, but this dramedy is still well acted out and entertaining, but is also overlong.
Even for a Spielberg film, this is a lighthearted, nearly innocent pic that’s quite enjoyable. It’s based on the life of Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio), who before is 19th birthday, successfully conned out millions of dollars and passed himself off as an airplane pilot, doctor, a Lutheran and a lawyer, and the FBI agent (Tom Hanks), who set out to track him down. Abagnale ran away after his parents (Christopher Walken and Nathalie Baye) get a divorce, and turned to a life of being a conman.
This is an unforced Spielberg pic that is both enjoyable and entertaining. Spielberg adds a few touches of comedic effect throughout the film while keeping the themes on troubled childhoods and how it affects the family. As a result, the film brings out a strong message on these issues.
Allow me to say that DiCaprio is near brilliant in his role of Abagnale Jr, even if he’s over the top. He looks his age (while he really isn’t), is funny, convince able, and simply does an all round, Oscar-worthy performance as the character. Tom Hanks is satisfactory in his role of Carl Handratty, the FBI agent who is mocked here and there by his fellow FBI agents who don’t take check fraud seriously. Walken received an Oscar-nomination for Best Supporting Actor in his role as the father of Abagnale Jr.
I really enjoyed Catch me if you Can and felt entertained though not totally enthralled. The 140-minute running length is too long for a film of this pic, and it could have lost 20 minutes in the editing room easily without reducing the overall quality of the picture. Despite the longer length, the film keeps a steady pace throughout.
For a Spielberg pic, this one isn’t great but is still really good. It’s not as memorable as some of his more popular pics like Jaws, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan, etc. but this is nevertheless a good break for the director in turning to a more lighthearted and fun pic. Ultimately, it becomes a better crafted drama-comedy then most others that are coming out now.
****/5
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