Cat & mouse situations maintain interest to the end

Rating: 8/10 (30 August 2004)

I was fascinated by the very original introductory credits and some of the best graphics in years. It grabbed my immediate interest and augured well for what was to follow.
The film itself is based on a series of serious criminal offences perpetrated by a young man called Frank Abagnale. The eventual outcome of his years of crime is nothing short of miraculous...almost unbelievable were it not for the fact that the events actually happened.
The dramatic theme is handled with a very light touch...even with a sense of comedy at times. Leonardo Di Caprio excels as the anti-hero giving us quite an arresting performance. His role suggests that if you wish to impersonate someone the donning of a uniform ensures you are half way there.
It is interesting that Tom Hanks was happy to play a supporting role. Despite his capable interpretation of the CIA agent, it is Leonardo's part as the lying,cheating, fraudulent impostor that will be remembered.
To some extent some of the situations are repetitive and the film may be a trifle long, but I have to admit that there is a surge of interest in the end with an unpredictable aftermath of his life of crime.