Title: Catch Me If You Can

Year Released/Rating: 2002 PG-13

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tim Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, Amy Adams

Directed By: Steven Speilberg

Written By: Jeff Nathanson, Frank Abagnale Jr., Stan Redding

Star Rating:  5 /5 stars

Trivia: The blackboard that Carl Hanratty is writing on toward the end of the movie contains a small note at the bottom that says, "Steven and Tom's 4th project". Spielberg and Hanks had previously collaborated on Band of Brothers, Saving Private Ryan, and Joe Versus the Volcano.

First of all, the introduction to this movie is amazing.  The shadowed graphics are amazing.  I love that this is based on a true story.  And that the real Frank Abagnale consulted the film to be the most accurate.  I loved it...  The relationship between Frank Sr. and Frank Jr. is just amazing.  Frank Sr. made some bad choices in his life, but he really loves his son.  I can't help but root for him.  And the entire movie Frank Jr. is really just trying to make his dad proud.  Usually these kinds of stories make me gag, but this one really works.  Maybe it's the story, maybe the characters, or maybe the actors, but it works for me.  Best scene of the movie--the first time that Hanratty and Abagnale meet in the hotel room.  I love the look on Hanratty's face when it starts to dawn on him that the Secret Service agent might not have been the Secret Service agent.  The look on his face is priceless!  J's rating: "It's the first movie since Romeo and Juliet that I can actually take Leonardo DiCaprio seriously."  Agreed!

Best Bits: 

Paula Abagnale:  Just tell me how much he owes and I'll pay you back. Carl Hanratty:  So far, it's about 1.3 million dollars.

Tom Fox: He doesn't have a passport. Carl Hanratty: For the last six months, he's gone to Harvard and Berkeley. I'm betting he can get a passport.

Frank Abagnale, Jr: Brenda, I don't want to lie to you anymore. All right? I'm not a doctor. I never went to medical school. I'm not a lawyer, or a Harvard graduate, or a Lutheran. Brenda, I ran away from home a year and a half ago when I was 16. Brenda Strong: Frank? Frank? You're not a Lutheran?

Frank Abagnale, Jr: [when Carl catches up to him in the print shop in Montrichard] Carl? Carl! Merry Christmas! How is it we're always talking on Christmas, Carl? Every Christmas, I'm talking to you! [laughs] Carl Hanratty: Put your shirt on, Frank. You're under arrest.

P.S. J and I had a discussion other day.  Is it just us or is White Collar what happens after Frank was caught by the FBI?  Just a great show!  He's got me addicted!