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Catch Me If You Can (M)
Director:   Steven Spielberg
Starring:   Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio

Reviewed by Elaine Pickford

Most people spend their teenage years trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives.   Not so, Frank Abagnale Junior (DiCaprio). He's been a doctor, a lawyer and an airline pilot, all by the time he's 19!  

This cautionary tale of the effects of a marriage breakdown on an adolescent boy seems rather far-fetched until you realise it's based on a true story.  

Indeed, it's hard to believe anyone actually fell for the scams, but Frank Abagnale Jnr is a talented conman for one so young. The only stable figure in Frank's crazy world is Carl Hanratty (Hanks), the FBI agent who doggedly pursues him from one career to another.  

The story jumps around at times and that can get confusing. However, Hanks and DiCaprio are on top form, forcing you to care enough about their characters to overlook any flaws in the story. This highly entertaining and thought-provoking movie will keep you riveted from start to finish.