Everybody's a critic - 'Catch Me If You Can'

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Previews for "Catch Me If You Can" left me wondering if it was an action flick or a comedy. After seeing it, I can only say it is both ... or neither. Inspired by a true story, this clever, well-paced movie centers around the adventures of check-forging Frank Abagnale and Carl Hanratty, the beleaguered FBI Agent trying to catch him. Having seen a total of 0 movies in the 7 months since our daughter was born, my husband and I vowed to see all the Best Picture nominees. We hoped to get a head start with this critic gig; however, "Two Weeks Notice," the first movie we reviewed, was not Oscar material. Unfortunately, this fantastic film might not rake in statuettes either.

The Academy may overlook the wonderfully nuanced performances of Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks because they lack scenery-chewing "Oscar clips." You should not. Catch them this weekend ... if you can!

- Brooke Hildebrand Clubbs, adjunct professor

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Steven Spielberg sets the playful mood for "Catch Me If You Can" immediately, opening the film with central character Frank Abagnale (Leonardo DiCaprio) appearing on the game show "To Tell the Truth." Although we don't get to see "the real Frank Abagnale please stand up," we do follow this charming young con man through a dangerous game of pretend. While successfully impersonating an airline pilot, a doctor and a lawyer, the crafty teen also forges millions of dollars worth of bad checks. Credit the fine screenplay, remarkable director and skillful actor for creating a likable hero out of such a scoundrel.

It's up to FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) to catch the young crook.

This unique twist on cops-and-robbers combined action, sparkling wit, a well-crafted plot, excellent performances and stellar direction to keep my wife and I happily captivated for its two-hour run. This one is a delight!

- Bob Clubbs, high school drama/speech teacher

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I would expect nothing less from Steven Spielberg. "Catch Me if You Can" is yet another of his masterpieces, emphasized even more by the fact that the movie was based on a true story.

I was constantly pulled into this film, as it keeps you on your toes through the constant movement of Frank Abagnale (Leo DiCaprio). The light humor sprinkled throughout never fails to incite laughter. Tom Hanks plays his role perfectly, right down to his accent. Of course, what Steven Spielberg movie would be complete without John Williams at the composer's helm? He does a brilliant job with the score, which fits perfectly with the 1960s era in which the movie is placed. Although it is quite tedious and even slow at times, "Catch Me if You Can" is one of the better films to bring in the New Year.

- Wes Smith, high school student