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Catch Me If You Can

  • 2002
  • PG-13
  • 2h 21m
IMDb RATING
8.1/10
1.2M
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
341
12
Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks in Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Theatrical Trailer from Dreamworks
Play trailer2:32
9 Videos
99+ Photos
CaperComing-of-AgeDocudramaGlobetrotting AdventurePeriod DramaTrue CrimeBiographyCrimeDrama

Barely 17 yet, Frank is a skilled forger who has passed as a doctor, lawyer and pilot. FBI agent Carl becomes obsessed with tracking down the con man, who only revels in the pursuit.Barely 17 yet, Frank is a skilled forger who has passed as a doctor, lawyer and pilot. FBI agent Carl becomes obsessed with tracking down the con man, who only revels in the pursuit.Barely 17 yet, Frank is a skilled forger who has passed as a doctor, lawyer and pilot. FBI agent Carl becomes obsessed with tracking down the con man, who only revels in the pursuit.

  • Director
    • Steven Spielberg
  • Writers
    • Frank Abagnale Jr.
    • Stan Redding
    • Jeff Nathanson
  • Stars
    • Leonardo DiCaprio
    • Tom Hanks
    • Christopher Walken
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.1/10
    1.2M
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    341
    12
    • Director
      • Steven Spielberg
    • Writers
      • Frank Abagnale Jr.
      • Stan Redding
      • Jeff Nathanson
    • Stars
      • Leonardo DiCaprio
      • Tom Hanks
      • Christopher Walken
    • 1KUser reviews
    • 203Critic reviews
    • 75Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Top rated movie #172
    • Nominated for 2 Oscars
      • 16 wins & 46 nominations total

    Videos9

    Catch Me If You Can
    Trailer 2:32
    Catch Me If You Can
    Catch Me If You Can: Soundbites
    Clip 2:18
    Catch Me If You Can: Soundbites
    Catch Me If You Can: Soundbites
    Clip 2:18
    Catch Me If You Can: Soundbites
    Catch Me If You Can Scence: Additional Scenes
    Clip 0:35
    Catch Me If You Can Scence: Additional Scenes
    Catch Me If You Can: B-Roll
    Featurette 3:32
    Catch Me If You Can: B-Roll
    Catch Me If You Can: Epk
    Featurette 2:56
    Catch Me If You Can: Epk
    The Evolution of Steven Spielberg
    Video 4:23
    The Evolution of Steven Spielberg

    Photos234

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    + 228
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    Top cast99+

    Edit
    Leonardo DiCaprio
    Leonardo DiCaprio
    • Frank Abagnale Jr.
    Tom Hanks
    Tom Hanks
    • Carl Hanratty
    Christopher Walken
    Christopher Walken
    • Frank Abagnale
    Martin Sheen
    Martin Sheen
    • Roger Strong
    Nathalie Baye
    Nathalie Baye
    • Paula Abagnale
    Amy Adams
    Amy Adams
    • Brenda Strong
    James Brolin
    James Brolin
    • Jack Barnes
    Brian Howe
    Brian Howe
    • Earl Amdursky
    Frank John Hughes
    Frank John Hughes
    • Tom Fox
    Steve Eastin
    Steve Eastin
    • Paul Morgan
    Chris Ellis
    Chris Ellis
    • Special Agent Witkins
    John Finn
    John Finn
    • Assistant Director Marsh
    Jennifer Garner
    Jennifer Garner
    • Cheryl Ann
    Nancy Lenehan
    Nancy Lenehan
    • Carol Strong
    Ellen Pompeo
    Ellen Pompeo
    • Marci
    Elizabeth Banks
    Elizabeth Banks
    • Lucy
    Guy Thauvette
    Guy Thauvette
    • Warden Garren
    Candice Azzara
    Candice Azzara
    • Darcy
    • Director
      • Steven Spielberg
    • Writers
      • Frank Abagnale Jr.
      • Stan Redding
      • Jeff Nathanson
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews1K

    8.11177.5K
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    Summary

    Reviewers say '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.
    AI-generated from the text of user reviews

    Featured reviews

    8mjw2305

    Hard to believe its true

    I Don't know how accurate these events are but as they are based on accounts written by Frank Abagale Jr. himself, then i assume that they are probably only dramatised for the viewing audience.

    It's hard to believe that people were so naive, that they allowed Frank Abagnale to achieve what he did, but i have give the guy credit for pushing the system, and riding the high life for as long as he did.

    Leonardo DiCaprio does a great job of capturing the character of Frank Abignale Jr. (strange i didn't picture him in the role of a jet setting Gigalo) and the rest of the cast although only little more than fringe characters, are all very well cast and give typically fine performances, as you would expect with the calibre of Hanks and Walken.

    All in all this is a fine film, that most people will enjoy watching 8/10
    8camcmahon

    I haven't read the book just yet - I definitely will now!

    This was an entertaining and fun piece of film making from the ever-reliable Steven Spielberg. It is a bit of a depart from his usual full-blown and hugely epic pictures, yet this does not detract at all from the fascinating story of Frank Abagnale Jr. I was interested in this man before I'd seen the movie, and it only served to increase my interest. Although it is important to remember (as with any such film) that this is only 'inspired' by a true story and not told word for word from one, the plot is fascinating and keeps you laughing, crying and wondering until the end.

    Frank Abagnale Jr. is an astounding and interesting character. The real life Abagnale originally said that he did not believe Dicaprio to be 'suave' enough to play the role, but he certainly does pull it off. Dicaprio's acting is superb, and totally believable as a man who could lie to, deceive, and con everyone he met without once losing any of his charisma or charm. Hanks is also excellent, he plays the role of the obsessed FBI agent well, and also with a likable quality. The interaction between these two characters was great, it was interesting to see a budding relationship slowly build between two characters who were actually positioned against one another.

    I loved the look of the film. It was a refreshing blast to see the 60s portrayed in such a vivid and colorful way. The whole setting and atmosphere of the film gave it a wonderful and almost (I hesitate to use the word) 'magical' sense. This tone appealed to me much more than a darker tone might have.

    However, the film is rife with moral ambiguity. As much fun as it is to watch Dicaprio jumping from one place (and identity) to the next, forging checks and spending inordinate amounts of money at a whim, the film never really focuses on the morally bankrupt side of the story. The portion of the film devoted to this at the end still seems to skim over the fact that this man has stolen millions of dollars. It ends on a high note for Frank Abagnale Jr., never fully spelling out the wrongs he committed. Still, this would probably bring the whole film down, and sometimes it's fun just to enjoy a bit of escapism without being told off for desiring such things. I mean, it's hard to be totally strict and upright - you have to love it when Dicaprio's character swindles Jennifer Garner's prostitute for $400!

    Overall, this is a fun film and really enjoyable. Not as much of an epic masterpiece as some of Spielberg's other movies, but still a great film!
    bob the moo

    Slick and enjoyable story telling

    When his parents file for divorce and he has to chose between them for custody, Frank Abagnale Jnr runs away from home. He begins to con his way around - getting better and better at it with each ruse. Posing as a pilot, a lawyer and a doctor he earns his money from cashing forged cheques. As the numbers go up, FBI agent Carl Hanratty starts tracking him in a game of cat and mouse.

    Based on a true story, although it doesn't rely on `and it really happened' to be a good film - although that this guy could even do half of this stuff is impressive, this film is a slick bit of entertainment even if it left me feeling a little bit like it was too much presentation. The plot starts at the end and jumps back to see the whys and the hows of the tale. It is told with a slick energy that keeps the story moving and never really lingers on any scene longer than it has to. It is for this reason that the two hours goes by relatively quickly.

    The presentation is good. Williams' score is not as memorable as his usual work but it is what the film needs it to be - unobtrusive and slick. Just like the opening credits, this film is very much a chase movie with a nice sense of period. The only downside of this slickness is that it feels like eating a sweet - it is very nice while it lasts but it doesn't fill you up. I enjoyed the film but it did leave me wondering what else there was; even if I did still have a sugary taste in my mouth. But to be fair - this is a minor compliant as the film didn't set out to be some massive thought provoking film; it was a chase movie and it was a very stylish and enjoyable one at that.

    The cast is good even if they aren't all used well. If anyone can tell me why Jennifer Garner even bothered to show up I'll be happy to listen. DiCaprio is very good. I'm not a massive fan of his but he was engaging here and looked about the right age to play the part - sort of between man and boy. Hanks does good work in support. Because his character is quite drab it is easy to forget him but I really enjoyed him and thought he brought more to the film than DiCaprio. Walken is good in support and Sheen adds another famous name to the end credits but it is very much a two hander with Hanks and DiCaprio more than able.

    Overall this film is a slick, stylish chase movie which should be enjoyed as such and is slightly more enjoyable for being a true story. If anything it is a little too slick for it's own good, but that is a petty complaint to make against a film that kept me pleasingly entertained for the past two hours!
    7rosscinema

    Very good film has those Spielberg edges!

    At first I thought I was going to see a lightweight film from a great director but instead I watched another impressive achievement by Steven Spielberg. A few things stand out and of course the performances are terrific. Leonardo Dicaprio is believable as a guy that can convince people that he's someone else. Dicaprio is a charmer and is very smooth as we watch his character do some fancy talk to the young ladies. Tom Hanks as the FBI agent reminds me of his cynical character that he played in "A League of Their Own" and his mere presence adds more to this film. The sign of a great film star. And Christopher Walken gives one of his best performances in his already interesting career. The last scene of him as he talks to his son in the restaurant is so moving that it reflects on the great talent of Walken. You can understand why Dicaprio admires and loves his father. Walken conveys these emotions and makes the audience react just accurately. I'll be rooting for him at Oscar time. Another impressive thing about this film is the beautiful cinematography by Janusz Kaminski who's a real artist with a camera and has worked on several Spielberg films. One shot in particular stands out. The ray of sunshine coming in through the kitchen window on Walken. Very thought provoking. And of course since its a Spielberg film its very personal. Spielberg was interested in the Frank Abagnale character because as a youngster he also came from a broken family and wanted to be someone else. Spielberg would sneak onto the studios and tell people that he worked there. Also, the real Frank Abagnale jr. appears as a French police officer. Well made, extremely well acted and sharply written. Viewers seem to forget that this is really a film about the breaking up of a family and the aftermath. This really is a personal film from Spielberg, and a very good one.
    vchimpanzee

    Brilliant, especially DiCaprio

    On Leonardo DiCaprio's 31st birthday, I have the pleasure of praising one of the finest actors working today. I didn't realize what I was seeing when that homeless boy showed up on 'Growing Pains'--a show not exactly known for the quality of its actors. And I didn't see much to like about "Titanic" except the excitement of watching the people evacuating and the ship sinking. Also, 'Romeo and Juliet' was just corny, with 400-year-old dialogue in a modern setting.

    But if he could be nominated for his 'Aviator' performance, DiCaprio must be doing something right. And here he shows us what he is capable of. Especially when Frank Jr. is conning people, and most of all when he tries to outwit Hanatty. I am reminded of Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones in "The Fugitive", or perhaps Burt Reynolds and Jackie Gleason in "Smokey and the Bandit". The strange but enjoyable chemistry between these two characters goes a long way toward making this movie work.

    Frank Jr. showed a lot of intelligence, and DiCaprio effectively showed us what this man could do. Imagine what he could have accomplished if he had stayed on the right side of the law. But his life on the run was more fun to watch.

    Tom Hanks, as popular as he is, can be commended for his willingness to play second banana for a change. And he did a fine job. Martin Sheen and Christopher Walken also made an impact here.

    I loved the old cars and the even older songs. The clip from 'To Tell the Truth' was a nice touch. The theme song still gives me a craving for vanilla ice cream after nearly 30 years (I didn't feel I had time to watch the new version).

    This was Oscar-caliber. Too bad the Academy Awards people didn't seem to agree.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Frank Abagnale Jr.: The French officer that arrests Frank on Christmas Eve, 1967.
    • Goofs
      While Frank and Carl are flying back to the US Frank looks out the window and tells Carl that they are over Fiorello LaGuardia Airport and runway Number 44. All runway ends are painted/labeled based on the compass direction or bearing it is facing or heading. A Due North is runway "36", meaning 360 degrees and the opposite end marked "18", for 180 degrees. Runway numbers include 1 to 36. No runway 44 exists.
    • Quotes

      Frank Abagnale Sr.: Two little mice fell in a bucket of cream. The first mouse quickly gave up and drowned. The second mouse, wouldn't quit. He struggled so hard that eventually he churned that cream into butter and crawled out. Gentlemen, as of this moment, I am that second mouse.

    • Crazy credits
      During the first thirty seconds of the credits we hear the FBI typewriters.
    • Alternate versions
      In the French language version of the film, Frank teaches his high school Spanish class instead of French.
    • Connections
      Edited from To Tell the Truth (1969)
    • Soundtracks
      To Tell the Truth
      Written by Paul Alter and Robert Israel

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 25, 2002 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • Canada
    • Official site
      • Official Facebook
    • Languages
      • English
      • French
    • Also known as
      • Atrápame si puedes
    • Filming locations
      • Alcatraz Prison, Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay, California, USA
    • Production companies
      • Dreamworks Pictures
      • Kemp Company
      • Splendid Pictures
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $52,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $164,615,351
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $30,053,627
      • Dec 29, 2002
    • Gross worldwide
      • $352,114,312
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 21 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • DTS
      • Dolby Digital
      • SDDS
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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