Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare films that's both critically acclaimed AND still genuinely watchable today. Spielberg knows how to tell a story, and DiCaprio's performance as the charming teenage con artist is magnetic.

The elephant in the room: your kid will be rooting for a criminal for two hours. Frank lies, steals, and manipulates his way through life. But the film is ultimately about consequences and redemption—Frank goes to prison, loses years of his life, and only finds purpose when he uses his skills legitimately. It's a morality tale wrapped in a stylish caper.

The 1960s setting means lots of smoking and drinking, and there are some sexual situations that earn the 12+ rating. Nothing graphic, but enough that you'll want to gauge your kid's maturity. The emotional core—Frank's desperate need for his father's approval and the pain of his parents' divorce—gives the film real weight.

Bottom line: This is smart, well-crafted entertainment that sparks great conversations about ethics, consequences, and second chances. It's not wholesome in the traditional sense, but it's enriching and engaging. Way better than most of the brain-rot options out there.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12-17. Tweens and teens will appreciate the clever schemes and coming-of-age elements, while the mature themes (divorce, sexuality, crime) make it too heavy for younger kids. Older teens might find it slightly tame but the quality filmmaking and true story keep it engaging.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

58

The film follows a teenage con artist who lies, forges checks, and impersonates professionals—not exactly a wholesome role model. However, it's based on a true story where Frank Abagnale eventually reforms and works with the FBI. The tone is more playful cat-and-mouse than dark crime drama, and there's genuine emotional depth around Frank's broken family. The film doesn't glorify crime but shows consequences. Still, the protagonist spends most of the runtime actively deceiving people, which limits the wholesome score.

Imaginative

78

Spielberg's direction brings creativity and style to this true story. The film showcases ingenious problem-solving as Frank invents elaborate schemes to pass as a pilot, doctor, and lawyer. It's intellectually stimulating to watch him study, adapt, and outsmart authority figures. The 1960s period setting is vividly realized. While it's not fantasy or sci-fi imagination, it celebrates cleverness, resourcefulness, and thinking outside the box—even if applied to illegal activities. The cat-and-mouse dynamic between Frank and Carl is genuinely engaging.

Safe

65

Common Sense Media rates it for 12+, which aligns with the PG-13 vibe (though official MPAA rating wasn't provided). There's no graphic violence, gore, or explicit content. However, there are some mature themes: brief sexual situations (Frank sleeps with women, including a scene with a call girl), drinking, smoking throughout, and Frank's parents' divorce is emotionally heavy. Some mild language. The criminal activity itself—check fraud, impersonation—might concern parents but isn't presented with shocking violence. It's relatively tame by Spielberg standards but has enough adult content to warrant caution for younger viewers.

Enriching

82

This is a biographical drama that teaches real history (1960s America, FBI operations, check fraud schemes). It explores complex themes: consequences of divorce on children, the ethics of deception, redemption, and second chances. Frank's relationship with his father is genuinely moving. The film shows that actions have consequences—Frank ends up in prison but eventually uses his skills for good. It's intellectually engaging, well-crafted cinema from Spielberg with strong performances (DiCaprio, Hanks). The 96% RT critic score and 8.1 IMDb rating reflect its quality. It's entertaining AND thought-provoking.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Based on a true story that's genuinely fascinating—Frank Abagnale really did impersonate a pilot, doctor, and lawyer before age 21
Shows consequences and redemption: Frank ends up in prison but eventually uses his skills to help the FBI catch other fraudsters
Spielberg at his best—stylish, entertaining, and emotionally resonant without being preachy
Great conversation starter about ethics, consequences, and how smart people can use their talents for good or bad
Holds up remarkably well—not dated or boring despite being from 2002

⚠

What to Watch For

The main character is literally a criminal for 90% of the movie—he's charming, but he's lying, stealing, and breaking the law constantly
Some sexual content: Frank sleeps with women (including a brief scene with a call girl), though nothing explicit is shown
Frank's parents' divorce is a central emotional thread and can be heavy for kids from similar situations
Drinking and smoking throughout (it's the 1960s)
The film doesn't glorify crime but does make it look pretty fun until the consequences hit

Conversation Starters

"Frank was really smart—why do you think he used his talents for crime instead of something legal?"
"How do you think Frank's parents' divorce affected his choices? Do you think he would've turned out differently if they'd stayed together?"
"The FBI eventually hired Frank to help catch other criminals. Do you think people who've done bad things should get second chances?"
"Frank lied about who he was constantly. Have you ever felt pressure to pretend to be someone you're not? How did that feel?"
"What would you do if you had Frank's skills for problem-solving and creativity?"

Deep Dive

The "Hustle" appeal

If your kid is currently obsessed with "side hustles" or the idea of gaming the system, this movie is going to land like a lightning bolt. It’s a masterclass in making a two-hour-plus runtime feel like a sprint. The story moves with a frantic, rhythmic energy that mirrors the main character’s own adrenaline. Unlike a lot of "prestige" biopics that feel like a homework assignment, this one is pure entertainment. It’s the ultimate "competence porn"—watching someone be incredibly good at something they aren't supposed to be doing.

The friction you’ll actually feel

While the 12+ rating is fair, there is one specific sequence that usually gives parents pause: the encounter with the high-end call girl. It isn't graphic, but the transactional nature of the scene and the "negotiation" involved makes it feel more adult than your standard PG-13 fare. It’s less about what you see and more about the implication of the lifestyle the lead character has fallen into.

The other thing to watch for isn't the crime—it’s the heartbreak. The movie is essentially a long-form reaction to a messy divorce. If your family is navigating that reality, the scenes where the protagonist tries to "buy" his parents back together with his stolen wealth can be a gut punch. It’s a very specific brand of pathos that might require a check-in afterward.

How it compares

If your kid liked the fast-talking energy of The Social Network or the clever "how-to" mechanics of a heist movie, this is the gold standard. It’s a great bridge between the animated adventures they’ve outgrown and the more cynical, gritty crime dramas they’ll want to watch in college.

If you’re looking to see how this fits into a broader viewing plan, check out The Spielberg Starter Pack: Essential Family Movies for Every Age. It helps contextualize why this director is so obsessed with the "broken home" trope. For more on the lead actor’s career trajectory and which of his other high-stakes roles are worth a family night, see Leonardo DiCaprio's Adventure Films: Which Ones Are Actually Family-Friendly?.

The conversation after the credits

The most interesting thing about this movie is how it handles the "true story" aspect. Most of the real-life Frank Abagnale’s claims have been heavily scrutinized or debunked in recent years. That’s actually a great hook for a teen: talk about myth-making. Why do we want to believe a story like this? Why do we root for a guy who is effectively hurting everyday people by devaluing the currency? It moves the conversation past "stealing is bad" and into the much more interesting territory of how charm can be used as a weapon.

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Catch Me If You Can