Plot Summary

Frank Abagnatle (Leonardo DiCaprio) appears to be a fairly ordinary teenager.  He is close to his parents, particularly his father (Christopher Walken).  His father is a struggling businessman who has attracted the unwanted attention of the Inland Revenue Service.  Frank’s parents’ relationship deteriorates when they are forced to sell their house for a small apartment.  Things go from bad to worse and they get a divorce.  When Frank is asked to decide whom he wants to live with he runs away rather than make the decision.  In order to survive this “ordinary” teenager turns out to be clever and resourceful and soon learns a few tricks in forging cheques.  He’s so good at it he attracts the attention of the FBI…

Review

This movie is based on real events that occurred in the 1960’s.  It may not be a fascinating story but it is certainly very interesting and this movie tells the story in an entertaining and often humorous way.  It also goes a bit deeper by exploring the relationship between Frank and his parents and subsequently the reasons behind his escapades.  The movie puts forward a few suggestions as to why Frank became a fraudster and more importantly why he continued when he had attracted so much attention from the authorities.

Behind the resourcefulness and confidence, Frank is a lonely teenager who thinks he can undo the perceived injustices done to his father.  Leonardo DiCaprio plays the part well and captures the boyish naivety of the character.

Tom Hanks plays FBI Agent Carl Hanratty.  The bespectacled fraud specialist looks more comfortable behind a desk than out “in the field” chasing Frank.  The game of cat-and-mouse between himself and Frank Abagnale becomes personal but strangely without any animosity.

Frank’s father played by Christopher Walken is an interesting character.  He is worn down by the investigations of the Inland Revenue but his “never-say-die” attitude sees him struggle on as his business goes “belly-up”. 

The Bottom Line:  While it isn’t edge-of-the-seat stuff this movie tells an interesting story.  It is entertaining and offers a little more insight than just the bare facts.  Not the type of film that you would watch over and over again but nonetheless it is worth a watch.  

Lasting thought:  “…the Yankees win because of the stripes on their uniforms…” That means you can mesmerise and trick people if you have something to distract and dazzle them with.

Reviewed by Niall Quinn, Premier Movie Reviews 2003

RATING

3 Stars

Worth A Watch

Main Cast

Leonardo DiCaprio
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Leonardo DiCaprio is Frank W Abagnate Jnr.

Tom Hanks FBI Agent Carl Hanratty

Christopher Walken is Frank Abagnate (Senior)

Director

Steven Spielberg