Catch Me If You Can

Frank Abagnale Jr. (DiCaprio) idolised his father (Walken) and grew up in a home that he thought was the closest thing to bliss he could ever imagine. This image was shattered the day his mother asked his father for a divorce. Not able to cope, Frank ran away to New York. Only sixteen years old, he found it hard to get by until he realised he had the gift of the gab and a talent for forgery. Within a year and a half Frank had become a Pan Am pilot, a doctor and a lawyer, cashing fake cheques wherever he went. His exploits hadn't gone unnoticed however, as FBI Agent Carl Hanratty (Hanks) was in hot pursuit.

Steven Spielberg continues to diversify with a funny and touching look at the true story of Con-Man Frank Abagnale Jr.

This is Spielberg on top form again, shooting a movie as only he can do. From the electrifying period title sequence (scored magnificently by John Williams, who captures the sound of the period superbly in one of his most original soundtracks in years), through the rise and fall of Frank's criminal life to his redemption in the final act, this is a fascinating movie that combines dark-comedy with moving sentiment.

The performances are of the highest calibre. Leonardo DiCaprio shines as Abagnale, capturing the character's sheer audacity and vulnerability within his fine performance. This is Leo back on top form. Tom Hanks as Carl Hanratty brings to life a character that both you feel for, as he is only doing his job, and hope he fails at the same time. This is a role that Hanks excels in bring a believability to the work obsessed FBI agent.

Excellent support comes is the guise of Christopher Walken. His portrayal of Frank Abagnale Sr., a once proud man is robbed of all his dignity, is extremely touching and the heartbeat of the film. Without his convincing performance you would have never have believed Frank's underlying motivations.

After all these positives there are few negatives. The movie is slightly overlong and it does take awhile to get going. Chronologically, it jumps around abit too much. The film starts with Frank's capture and revisits this at random parts of the movie, sometimes for no apparent reason.

These aside, this is still an extremely entertaining movie which hits a lot more than it misses. It is a must see for all Leo, Tom Hanks and Spielberg fans and even if you don't like one or any of them, it is still one cool, unmissable movie.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN: BEHIND THE CAMERA

This insightful featurette chronicles what happens when Oscar(r)-winning director Spielberg rolls the camera. All-new interviews with cast and crew capture the essence of Spielberg's infectious storytelling style and the talent's unique and inventive acting techniques

CAST ME IF YOU CAN: THE CASTING OF THE FILM

This program provides an illuminating look at the film's talent and the rich characters they portray, including interviews with DiCaprio (Frank W. Abagnale, Jr.) and Hanks (Carl Hanratty), as well as the film's supporting cast including Christopher Walken in his Oscar(r)-nominated performance, (Frank Abagnale, Sr.), Nathalie Baye (Paula Abagnale), Martin Sheen (Roger Strong), Amy Adams (Brenda Strong), and Jennifer Garner (Cheryl Ann)

SCORING CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

Honoured with an Oscar(r)-nomination for Best Original Score, legendary composer John Williams joins forces with Spielberg for their 20th filmmaking collaboration. Detailing how the film's progressive jazz score was a departure in style, Williams discusses his inspiration for creating the sleek retro theme that perfectly sets the mood of the story and its era.

FRANK ABAGNALE: BETWEEN REALITY AND FICTION

An in-depth look at the real Frank W. Abagnale, Jr. that chronicles how he-as a runaway teenager, without so much as a high school diploma-managed to pass himself off as an airline pilot, a doctor, a lawyer, and a college professor, all while cashing millions of dollars in fraudulent checks

THE FBI PERSPECTIVE

The film's FBI consultant gives an insider's view into the trials and tribulations of tracking bank fraud, forgeries, check kiting and elusive "paperhangers."

"CATCH ME IF YOU CAN" In Closing

As the production comes to a close, this program features the talent recounting their roles and unique experiences on the set, plus behind-the-scenes footage of the last scenes shot.

PHOTO GALLERY

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2003