‘Catch Me’ captures life of conman
Tonight’s must-see
“Catch Me If You Can” (2002), 8-11 p.m., ABC.
Frank Abagnale Jr., was a scam master. He pretended to be a pilot, a lawyer, a surgeon; few people doubted him.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks are terrific as Abagnale and the ploddingly persistent FBI man who chased him. Steven Spielberg directed, providing it a light, breezy feel.
The result is a light, fun film. That tone is set quickly, when the stylish titles are backed by John Williams’ jazzy score.
Tonight’s might-see
“Wisegal,” 9-11 p.m., Lifetime.
The Mafia, Hollywood tell us, is something you must be born into and you can’t leave. Patty Montanari, however, says she broke both of those traditions. Once a homeless waif, she cozied with kingpins, then had second thoughts.
Montanari is listed as one of the consultants for this film. The melodrama seems overheated, but “Wisegal” is still solidly told – with good work from Alyssa Milano, Jason Gedrick and James Caan.
Tonight’s other choices include:
“Cold Case,” 8 p.m., CBS. A confession in a 10-year-old case leads to a probe of the nasty side of cheerleading.
“The Good Shepherd,” 8-11 p.m., HBO. Robert De Niro directed and co-starred in this film, set in the early days of the CIA. The result is too long and too dark, but worth the trouble. Matt Damon heads a great cast that includes Angelica Jolie, Alec Baldwin, Billy Crudup and William Hurt.
“Criminal Minds,” 9 p.m., CBS. One member of a serial-killing duo has committed suicide, but the search is on for the other one.
“Aces ‘N’ Eights,” 9-11 p.m., Ion. We expect some violence in a cowboy film, but nothing like this. Unarmed ranchers face brutality and sadism. Once you get past that – which isn’t easy – there’s a fairly solid tale of hired guns (Casper Van Dien, Bruce Boxleitner) acquiring hints of a conscience. Ernest Borgnine – still hardy at 90 – is strong in support.
“Saturday Night Live,” 11:29 p.m., NBC. Jonah Hill hosts, with music from Janet Jackson.
Sunday must-see
“John Adams” debut, 8 p.m., HBO; second episode at 9:10.
The American Revolution was no rush to judgment, this miniseries seems to say. This is a slow, graceful film. It’s filled with pregnant pauses, moments of quiet doubt.
That fits the subject. Adams lacked the charisma of a Washington or a Jefferson; but he quietly propelled the nation.
Paul Giamatti makes him a deeply sympathetic character. Laura Linney brings passion to his wife Abigail, a brilliant letter-writer.
Viewers must be patient as this film plods along. It airs two parts tonight, nudging the nation into its war.
Sunday’s might-see
“The Cutting Edge 3: Chasing the Dream,” 8 and 10 p.m., ABC Family.
The original “Cutting Edge” (which reruns at 4 p.m.) paired a rich female figure-skater with a tough male hockey player. This new one pairs a rich male figure-skater with a tough female hockey player.
We’ll give no points originality, but it is adequately executed. Matt Lanter and Francia Raisa are attractive stars; Christy Carolson Romano, from “Cutting Edge 2” (6 p.m.) is strong as their new coach.
Sunday’s other choices include
“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 8 p.m., ABC. The team helps a motorcycling minister who works with kids.
“Everybody Hates Chris,” 8 p.m., CW. Chris obsesses on getting his first kiss.
“The World’s Funniest Commercials: Hilarious Liaisons,” 8 p.m., TBS. These specials are always fun. This one focuses on romance, with Kathy Griffin as host.
“Aliens in America,” 8:30 p.m., CW. In a funny episode, Justin find himself starring in a community-theater musical – with his mom in the cast.
“Cold Case,” 9 p.m., CBS. When a gunshot victim dies after almost 20 years in a coma, the case has fresh urgency.
“Dream Home Giveaway” (9 p.m.) and “Myles of Style” (10 p.m.), both HGTV. First, we see a multi-million-dollar home given away. Then Kim Myles – the “Design Star” winner – launches her series.