Sometimes you go to the movies not expecting much because you haven't heard much about the particular film. That was the case in going to see Catch Me if You Can. What I did know was that Leonardo DiCaprio was in it. Okay, I saw him in Titanic, The Beach and a few others. To say the least I had mixed opinions of Mr. DiCaprio and wasn't expecting much from him in this movie. How could I say it? He wasn't going to be a drawing card for me.

Now Tom Hanks on the other hand has done such a wonderful array of parts ranging from Philadelphia, to Saving Private Ryan, and Sleepless in Seattle to Big. All of this from someone who had among his first ventures in television and movies the hideous, Bosom Buddies on his resume. To be honest the main reason I attended this particular movie was because it was a chance to go on a date with my 21 year old daughter who was visiting for the holidays from college. My opinion shortly after attending the movie was, WOW! Am I glad that I went to see this one.

Catch Me If You Can, is to say the least, pure fun and enjoyment. It is also thought provoking and unbelievably true. The movie certainly adds to the cliché, "Truth is stranger than fiction." While the movie is certainly all of these things it is also much more. The direction by Steven Spielberg is absolutely incredible and this contemporary master story teller leaves no stones unturned. What we have is a story that will have you thinking long after seeing this movie. Thinking of a persons potential to change as well as another persons potential to forgive and heal.

Catch Me If You Can is a movie that on its surface explores the potential of one person to change and excel from being a criminal to being a contributor to society. It is also about another mans relentless pursuit of evil to bring about a good. It is also about much more though. The break up of family, the love between a father and a son, and of one's potential to overcome the evils that influence their lives. All of these themes and more in an era where most movie makers can't discuss openly and intelligently anything more than a basic plot or sub plot in a movie. Spielberg on the other hand is considered a master for a reason. He blends and weaves stories for all ages with themes and a morality that seeks to make this a better planet. He also understands the concept of just plain, flat out, good stories. Catch Me If You Can is just another example of the brilliance in the vein of storytelling.

There are numerous examples of wonderful acting in this story. While many will focus on the talents of DiCaprio one should not overlook the marvelous acting job given by Tom Hanks, and Christopher Walken. Both of these individuals give what could be considered Oscar © caliber performances.

The premise of the movie centers around the character of Frank Abagnale, Jr. played by Leonardo DiCaprio. He is a young man who by the age of 21 had embezzled millions of dollars and lived life as a air line pilot, doctor and attorney. He leaves home around the time of his 16th birthday as his mother and father separate and plan for a divorce. He has always been close to his father, Frank Abagnale, Sr. played by Walken. His father is a con man who has never succeeded at his craft. Carl Hanratty, played by Tom Hanks is an FBI agent dealing specifically in fraudulent checks. He pursues Abagnale Jr. relentlessly over a number of years. There is numerous occasions where he comes close to catching him but always ends up just a little short. Over a period of years the two keep in touch on Christmas Eve via phone conversation. It is during these conversations that you can see that both are lonely. You see as the movie progresses that both characters understand and see that true happiness does not come from money or pursuit of respect, it comes from relationship and opportunity. There is a beautiful portrayal here on the importance of relationships.

The story takes place over a period of years and from the opening montage to the closing credits you are glued to the seat. It is one of the few movies I have seen where people actually sat around to watch the closing credits without, additional outtakes. There are a few story lines that close things up regarding where Abagnale Jr. is today, but all in all it is the credits that people stay around to watch. It goes to show that when a good story is told that people will want to know those that were involved with the story.

While this movie will fall short of a perfect 10 it was one of the better movies of the year and will make it onto my top 10 list for the year. If looking for a story with many redemptive lessons as well as the illustrations on the importance of seeing potential and good in people, even those often perceived as bad, this is it. The audience will find itself rooting for the bad guy because we believe in the potential of good from the bad guy. We also root for the good guy because we can see that humanity is not that far separated. Kind of like the old saying, saved but by the grace of God. This story helps show but how close we all are except by the grace of God.

On a scale of 1-10, an almost perfect example of grace being illustrated in a movie, 9.5