Damn Leo. Damn him good. Ever since Titanic came out, I have not liked Leonardo Dicaprio. Every magazine was plastered with his face, and every girl was “In Love with Leo.” So where does that leave me. Damn you Leo. I damn you now, because I’m starting to like you. Catch Me if You Can was a great movie, as it chronicled the life of Frank Aganale Jr., one of the greatest check fraudsters in history. It also tells the story of his parents divorce and his relationship with Carl Hanrartty of the FBI, who eventually became his captor. The cartoon intro really gets the viewer into a nostalgic mood, and allows an easy transition into settings, and lingo. Christopher Walken, despite having the face of a gravedigger, was wonderful as the loving father, who loses everything. I found myself calling the mother “Whore,” and other names, in my head, when Barnes walked out of the room. How could she do that to a man so sweet?

Walken’s relationship with Leo (it’s not as if I can Frank’s relationship with Frank) was beautifully depicted, even as it deteriorated through Frank Jr.’s escapades. The story was strong, and compelling. You rooted for Frank Jr., yet you felt bad for Hanratty. Throughout the story, the viewer’s emotions are tossed around like a hot potato from one character to the next. We feel bad for Frank Sr., then for Frank Jr., then Carl, Frank Jr., Frank Sr., it never ends. As you grow attached to one character, you start feeling bad for another, and begin to criticize the former. Not only do you get a well-written story, but you get an education in fraud. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that it is always interesting to find ways to screw over your government, whether they be outdated or not.

Perhaps, it’s just my love for nostalgia every once in a while, but CMIYC, was overall an excellent movie. It had all the elements of a “good movie.” The music was well chosen, the camera shots were amazing, such as Frank Jr. slamming the phone down after being insulted by Hanratty. The cast was well-chosen, and the overall look was just good. My only problem with the movie, was the scene between Dicaprio and Jennifer Garner.

Since I love references of every kind, I just soaked in the Bond sequence. After getting all excited, it’s kind of a downer to have to watch Frank Jr. pay for sex. I know it’s significant to show that Frank’s in “The Big City,” and that it’s slowly corrupting him, but couldn’t we have thrown maybe one card, instead of dragging that scene on?

Even though Spielberg directed, this film would have easily made it’s own. With an all-star cast to bank on, and a stellar script to back it up, Catch Me If You Can is an amazing film. I, however, would not recommend this film to any person taking drugs that cause mood swings, or else you might be severely distracted.


"You are all pawns, in my struggle for world domination, that I will name "Jurassic Earth."