Catch Me If You Can (2002)

The review finds the film a deeply moving, wonderfully acted coming-of-age black comedy that is more sophisticated and darker than expected. It singles out the handling of fatherhood themes and the strong ensemble cast, particularly DiCaprio, Hanks and Walken, for praise.

The critic praises Spielberg for rejuvenating himself with a sleek, frothy adventure that is original and inventive, highlighting DiCaprio's performance and the emotional depth beneath the glossy surface through strong supporting turns by Hanks and Walken. It is quick, charming, exciting, and poignant without being obvious.

Praises the stylish slice of effortless entertainment with DiCaprio's movie-star charisma, Hanks' generous supporting turn, Walken's superb performance, great period detail and directorial class. Notes some sentimentality intruding but overall calls it one of Spielberg's most purely enjoyable movies.

The review calls it a light yet rich conman caper that is visually and thematically delightful from its animated credits onward. It praises the integrated imagery, jazz score and the way the chase nourishes both the conman and the pursuing FBI agent.

The critic views the film as a lighter change of pace for Spielberg, a breezy caper evoking late-1950s and early-1960s movies with its innocent tone and con-artist antics. It is briskly paced with strong lead performances but runs long due to including too many story details.

The critic finds the film amusing and high-spirited as a lighthearted true tale of a teenage con man, but notes it is overly complicated in structure, too long, and fails to explore the protagonist's character in depth.

The critic finds it the director's most likeable film in ages but insubstantial and overlong. Praises the jaunty mix of suspense, romance and comedy along with strong performances, elegant camerawork and agreeable score while noting the superficial treatment and conventional ending.

Describes an accomplished but somewhat soulless offering with customary polish, fast-paced and stylish with a wildly charismatic DiCaprio performance. Praises the lavish 1960s authenticity and production values but criticizes the family angle and moral rectitude that removes the amoral sting.

The film is an effortlessly watchable story of a precocious con man whose impersonations succeed through charm and quick thinking. The critic singles out Leonardo DiCaprio's breezy, charming performance as the young Frank Abagnale for praise.

Spielberg's film is a supremely entertaining portrait of a virtuoso impostor that finds depth in its lead performance and father-son themes. The critic singles out Leonardo DiCaprio's sensational, fluid portrayal of the chameleon-like con man for particular praise.

The critic finds the film entertaining and stylish, praising DiCaprio's charismatic performance as the con artist and the overall fun, attractive portrayal of theft. They note the story's gaps and Spielberg's sentimental family focus but conclude it is never dull and looks good.