MORAL OF THE MOVIE

In an inspired-by-a-true-story tale that seems like a cautionary one against greed on a superficial level, Catch Me If You Can (2002) actually says more about the criminal than the act of breaking the law. Misguided deeds tend to have unforeseen consequences, and misguided teens tend to suffer them the most as they seek what we all ever want in life: appreciation. To me, this story mostly demonstrates that the life that everyone wants and craves full of material wealth (whether it be legally or illegally obtained) and prestige isn’t what it’s made out to be unless you have true purpose and a genuine appreciation of your worth (whether it be from yourself or others).

WHO I THINK WOULD MOST ENJOY THIS MOVIE

If you enjoy crime dramas that are based on true stories but are a little more lighthearted than the psychopathic serial killer movies, then you’ll be sure to have an enjoyable time with this movie. It will be an especially entertaining experience for you if you are already a fan of cat and mouse games as the film’s title indicates. In other words, if you’re intrigued by the idea of a true crime version of Tom and Jerry, then this is the movie for you.

ADDITIONAL NOTES/COMMENTARY

This movie takes the saying “fake it ‘till you make it” to the next level! As per usual, Spielberg and DiCaprio are great at what they do and even better when they do it together. There’s something about the way that DiCaprio plays the flawed yet charming go-getter that always gets me to root for him even though he doesn’t necessarily deserve it. Everything about this movie is orchestrated to get you to see through the eyes of Frank Abagnale Jr., which is something we all would’ve wanted to do upon hearing the tag line “Barely 21 yet, Frank is a skilled forger who has passed as a doctor, lawyer and pilot.” Yet, it’s not set out make us want to live his life. It’s clearly not perfect. Far from it. How unappreciated does one have to feel in order to make so much about oneself and finally get that desired validation. As entertaining and effortless of a watch that this movie may be, there’s still something deep about its message that makes it worth a watch. Overall, Catch Me If You Can (2002) is an interesting case study on human nature amidst a lack of validation as well as an entertaining cat and mouse movie.