Leonardo DiCaprio gives an effective, charismatic performance as Frank Abagnale, Jr. He manages to exude the confidence and charm that would be qualities essential to Abagnale's real-life performances without ever appearing cold, calculating, or unsympathetic. DiCaprio brings us a hero worth rooting for, even though he is breaking the law, because the cons he pulls appear to be all in fun, occasionally fueled by disillusionment and fear, but never by greed.
The film's supporting cast is also first-rate. Tom Hanks is excellent as Hanratty, showing both fierce determination to bring Abagnale to justice and father-like concern for the young con man. Christopher Walken delivers a fine, sympathetic performance as Frank Abagnale, Sr., the foil for his son, who is lowered through the loss of his marriage and his company, while his son's life seems to keep getting better and better. While the story of Frank Abagnale, Jr. is fascinating and the performances are good, the film is a bit too long for its own good. At times the pace felt too slow and it almost lost my interest. There were some scenes which easily could have been eliminated or shortened (such as the scene involving Jennifer Garner, which seemed to exist just to put her in the film and added nothing to the story), and the movie would have been much improved for it. But this is one of the film's few flaws. Overall, it is an enjoyable picture that the entire family can see that offers an interesting view into the life of a con man.
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