Teenage con artist Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio) gives FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) a literal "run for his money." Over the course of a few years, before reaching his 20th birthday, Abagnale steals more than $4 million; cashing forged checks while impersonating an airline pilot, doctor, lawyer and schoolteacher. Inspired by a true story, all these guises are carried off with aplomb and wit by DiCaprio, with the ring of sincerity needed in more serious moments. Tom Hanks plays the supporting role in a major film by director Steven Spielberg.
Frank's father (Christopher Walken) is a good man going through
tough times. The IRS is about to close his business and his wife (Nathalie Baye), whom he met in Europe during WWII, is sleeping around, in the family's small apartment for Frank Jr. to see. As their home life is imploding, Jr. learns a few tricks of the trade from his father, who is adept at pretense. Young Frank, however, takes the flimflam to the level of artistry. Starting at the tender age of 16, when he impersonates a teacher for several weeks, Frank progresses from being a teacher to a number of lofty and respected professions. No doubt of his intelligence and craft, Frank Jr. passes the bar exam to become a lawyer with no formal training and two weeks of intensive study!
Although the impersonations are flashy, it's the check cashing that gets the attention of the FBI. Eventually, he is caught in France and Hanratty brings him back for trial, and he's put in jail. His sentence is curtailed based upon him being a "consultant" to help the agency catch other check forgers. Like Ejovi Nuwere, the young man who wrote the recent book "Hacker Cracker," con men can go straight. Forty years ago it was checks and today it's breaking into computer systems to steal credit card numbers.
The flashbacks in this film are easier to follow than in most movies. And unlike the controversy and mixed reviews that Spike Lee's "25th Hour" and Martin Scorsese's "Gangs of New York" (both featuring time shifts) will probably receive, Spielberg has again made a film that both movie-goers and critics will agree all should see. Our vote is to be sure to see all three. "Catch Me if You Can" really grabs your attention.
