'CATCH ME' RECORD 23RD FILM OF 2002 TO REACH $100 MILLION.

Byline: Greg Hernandez Staff Writer

DreamWorks' ``Catch Me If You Can'' added to the slew of box office records already set last year when it became the 23rd film released in 2002 to cross the $100 million milestone, according to box office figures released Wednesday.

With ticket prices at an all-time high and films saturating the marketplace by opening on thousands of screens, it has become more common in recent years for a popular movie to reach the once-rarefied $100 million milestone, according to Paul Dergarabedian, president of box office tracker Exhibitor Relations Co.

``I'm still impressed when a movie hits $100 million because it's still not an easy task with 400-plus films released in a given year,'' Dergarabedian said. ``If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.''

``Catch Me'' crossed the $100 million mark in an impressive 14 days of release, enjoying steady business since its opening.

``From our first screenings to its opening day to now, 'Catch Me If You Can' has been a true audience pleaser,'' Jim Tharp, DreamWorks' head of distribution, said in a statement. ``It appeals to virtually every demographic, and word of mouth has followed suit.''

The previous industry record of 22 $100 million grossers was set two years ago when such films as ``Dr. Suess' How The Grinch Stole Christmas'' ruled the box office.

The 2002 total could still grow if the high-grossing romantic comedies ``Maid in Manhattan'' and ``Two Weeks Notice'' continue their box office momentum. Those films' earnings currently stand at $77.6 million and $70.5 million, respectively.

``Catch Me,'' released Christmas Day, had grossed $101.3 million as of Tuesday. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks and directed by Steven Spielberg, the film has managed to thrive despite having to perform in the considerable box office shadow of ``The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,'' which has easily topped all competitors since its Dec. 18 release.

``Two Towers'' has grossed $265.5 million to date and is a shoo-in to join ``Spider-Man'' and ``Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones'' in becoming just the third 2002 release to cross the $300 million mark.

Among the movies to earn $100 million or more are such varied fare as the romantic comedy ``My Big Fat Greek Wedding,'' thrillers like ``Signs'' and ``The Ring,'' franchises like James Bond (``Die Another Day'') and Austin Powers (``Goldmember''), animated hits ``Lilo & Stitch'' and ``Ice Age,'' and high-tech action pictures including ``Minority Report'' and ``XXX.''

The movie industry had a banner year in 2002, setting all-time records for box office gross ($9.4 billion) and selling the most movie tickets in more than four decades.