
Catch Me If You Can
dir. Steven Spielberg
80
8 sourcesSynopsis
A true story about Frank Abagnale Jr. who, before his 19th birthday, successfully conned millions of dollars worth of checks as a Pan Am pilot, doctor, and legal prosecutor. An FBI agent makes it his mission to put him behind bars. But Frank not only eludes capture, he revels in the pursuit.
Critics consensus
With help from a strong performance by Leonardo DiCaprio as real-life wunderkind con artist Frank Abagnale, Steven Spielberg crafts a film that's stylish, breezily entertaining, and surprisingly sweet.
What resonated with audiences
'Catch Me If You Can' highlights Steven Spielberg's adept direction and storytelling, effectively blending suspense with humor. The cat-and-mouse chase between Frank Abagnale Jr. and FBI agent Carl Hanratty is well-executed, with dynamic cinematography and immersive period detail. However, some critics find the film's length and certain plot elements exaggerated, impacting believability. Despite this, it is generally regarded as an entertaining, well-crafted piece showcasing Spielberg's narrative skill.

Directed bySteven Spielberg
StarringLeonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, Nathalie Baye, Amy Adams
Written byJeff Nathanson
CinematographyJanusz Kamiński
EditingMichael Kahn
MusicJohn Williams
Catch Me If You Can
2002 · PG-13 · 2h 21m
Drama, Crime
A true story about Frank Abagnale Jr. who, before his 19th birthday, successfully conned millions of dollars worth of checks as a Pan Am pilot, doctor, and legal prosecutor. An FBI agent makes it his mission to put him behind bars. But Frank not only eludes capture, he revels in the pursuit.
What resonated with audiences
'Catch Me If You Can' highlights Steven Spielberg's adept direction and storytelling, effectively blending suspense with humor. The cat-and-mouse chase between Frank Abagnale Jr. and FBI agent Carl Hanratty is well-executed, with dynamic cinematography and immersive period detail. However, some critics find the film's length and certain plot elements exaggerated, impacting believability. Despite this, it is generally regarded as an entertaining, well-crafted piece showcasing Spielberg's narrative skill.
Critics Consensus
With help from a strong performance by Leonardo DiCaprio as real-life wunderkind con artist Frank Abagnale, Steven Spielberg crafts a film that's stylish, breezily entertaining, and surprisingly sweet.
