Added to Netflix on Sunday, Oct 1, 2023 Based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., Catch Me If You Can is a stylish crime drama that follows the life of Frank, who, before his 19th birthday, successfully conned millions of dollars by posing as a Pan American World Airways pilot, a Georgia doctor, and a Louisiana parish prosecutor. Chasing him is Carl Hanratty, an FBI agent determined to bring him to justice. As the chase intensifies, a cat-and-mouse game ensues, intertwined with moments of humor, deceit, and mutual respect.
Length: 2hr 21min
Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
Trailer
Cast
- Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Abagnale Jr.
- Tom Hanks as Carl Hanratty
- Christopher Walken as Frank Abagnale Sr.
- Amy Adams as Brenda Strong
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: PG-13 (for some sexual content and brief language)
The movie contains several scenes of deception, mild violence, and brief romantic encounters. It deals with mature themes of crime, family dynamics, and personal struggles.
Trivia
- The real Frank Abagnale Jr. makes a cameo in the film as a French police officer.
- Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks both received Golden Globe nominations for their roles.
- The movie’s events span over five Christmas Eves, a running theme in Steven Spielberg’s films.
- Frank’s schemes in the film are just a fraction of the cons he pulled off in real life.
Our Review
Catch Me If You Can is a masterclass in storytelling, driven by powerful performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. The film brilliantly captures the essence of the 1960s, from its colorful palette to the jazzy score. It’s not just a crime story but also a deep dive into the complexities of a father-son relationship and the lengths a person will go to seek approval and love. Spielberg balances tension and humor effortlessly, making for an engaging watch from start to finish. Highly recommended for fans of true crime and character-driven stories.
