Nicolas Cage, Sam Rockwell, Alison Lohman

A phobic con artist and his protege are on the verge of pulling off a lucrative swindle when the con artist's teenage daughter arrives unexpectedly.

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76% liked it

149,063 ratings

Critics

83% liked it

179 critics

PG-13

Directed by: Ridley Scott

Release Date: September 12, 2003

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DVD Release Date: June 1, 2004

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Flixster Reviews (4,535)


  • September 23, 2009
    I was looking forward to watching this but I was so disappointed. It lacked intrigue and it was quite predictable.
  • May 9, 2009
    "If you're gonna get wet, might as well go swimming."


    For Matchstick Men, acclaimed director Ridley Scott turns his attention away from the visceral blockbusters he's recognised for in order to deliver a finely crafted drama and character study about con artis

    ...( read more)try and family life. An adaptation of the novel by Eric Garcia, this excellent motion picture successfully combines black comedy, drama, and (most importantly) a cluster of unforseen plot twists. Matchstick Men falls into a particular sub-genre of the thriller - a sub-genre concerning conmen and their disreputable trade. Some of these movies work, while others sink without a trace. The Sting and The Grifters are examples of great additions to this sub-genre, and Ridley Scott's Matchstick Men can now be self-assuredly added to that list. Granted, this flick is a large bevy of clichés mixed together in a cauldron. However, the product is an infinitely entertaining and imaginative plot-driven little feature. With director Scott's seal of approval, a wicked little script and several utterly fabulous performances, the clichés are stylishly disguised.


    Roy Waller (Cage) is an obsessive-compulsive agoraphobic veteran conman. As he describes it, he's a "con artist. Flimflam man, matchstick man, loser. Whatever you wanna call it, take your pick". Roy and his partner Frank (Rockwell) only pull off small cons; little games that earn them a few hundred dollars at a time. Their slippery antics employed to implement these little cons keep the money flowing in, especially for Roy who has built a comfortable lifestyle owing to his clever deception. But Roy has a conscience (consequently unwilling to pursue a "long con"), is a neurotic, and his personal life is a mess. His life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers he has a teenage daughter - a child whose existence he suspected but never dared confirm. 14-year-old Angela (Lohman) enters his life suddenly, becomes intrigued by her father's trade and wants in on the Roy/Frank partnership. But, with a "long con" job finally coming down the pipeline, Angela's entrance may jeopardise Roy's peace of mind, not to mention his entire way of life.


    Matchstick Men is more or less two movies magnificently spliced into one; each enriching the other. Cage's character takes centre stage in the first. The focus is on his psychological problems, his misgivings about his profession, and (most importantly) his relationship with Angela. The abruptness of Angela's arrival in his life opens up a world of possibilities he hadn't ever previously considered, while simultaneously making him aware of how unprepared he is for major life-changing decisions. The second concentrates on the conning escapades of Frank and Roy. Matchstick Men moves along confidently and expertly, diving into the lives of these characters while displaying their weaknesses and fully involving us in their exploits. The one truly detrimental fault in the story is that, in hindsight, too much of it depends on sheer coincidence and chance. The film ends with a saccharine-coated conclusion that, while tying up all the loose ends, feels tacked-on and uneven.


    On top of being moderately suspenseful on occasion, Matchstick Men is also imbued with a sly, biting sense of humour. Character behaviour sometimes results in decent laugh-aloud moments (although it isn't really a comedy overall even if it is billed as one...don't expect a large dosage of broad comedy and you'll be satisfied). Matchstick Men is also emotionally satisfying, with the association between Roy and Angela becoming central to the storyline. The interactions between them are spellbinding and fascinating. There's even a slight hint of discovery in this relationship. Angela is given the opportunity to live the fantasy and find out what it's like to have a real father, and Roy is provided with the chance to experience the wonders of what he missed when his wife walked out on him fourteen years ago.


    Understandably and encouragingly, none of this actually feels like a Ridley Scott motion picture. Restrained in style and carefully-paced, Scott's artistry is in a more subtle mode here. The director's efforts are truly remarkable, and he never allows a viewer to foresee any of the numerous plot twists. The characters are also grounded in contemporary reality without ever falling prey to the ridiculous. Matchstick Men isn't overflowing with lavish locales or big-budget action sequences... it's a simple comedy-drama (trademark tension is a key feature, mind you). Ridley Scott has helmed character-driven features before (Thelma & Louise, White Squall), but he's never previously done anything this light. For a filmmaker with no prior experience with comedy, Scott has a deft hand. Considering his experience as a director, though, would it have been rational to expect anything less?


    The script is moderately derivative and it does contain a number of customary genre clichés, but screenwriters Nicholas and Ted Griffin still manage to elicit fresh-feeling material (Scott's lively direction also contributes to this). Dialogue is witty (a rarity these days), and characters are both sharply-drawn and well-developed. The cinematography is especially excellent as well - dizzying POV shots are quite stunning; providing insight into the condition of agoraphobia (a truly marvellous creative choice). Han Zimmer's laid-back, jazzy score is the definitive ingredient; establishing the right mood during the drama and cranking up the tension as the film begins to wind down. Also included is a selection of eclectic music, consisting mainly of classics such as the work of Frank Sinatra as well as Johnny Mercer. Matchstick Men delivers plenty - emotional investment with the three-dimensional characters, a narrative which engages from start to finish, and mind-blowing plot twists.


    One of the movie's greatest assets is undoubtedly the talented band of actors filling the cast. Nicolas Cage places forth a wonderful portrayal of conman Roy Waller. In displaying the traits of his character's disorder, Cage never exaggerates and consequently comes across as extremely believable. This is definitely one of the star's best performances. Alongside Cage is the always-reliable Sam Rockwell; playing the partner in crime to perfection. Rockwell's performance as Frank Mercer (the name is a tribute to Frank Sinatra and Johnny Mercer) is infused with the right mix of cynicism and sincerity. The dialogue between Rockwell and Cage crackles with wit and intelligence (a rarity in films these days), providing an exceptional dynamic that keeps the film rolling along at a satisfying pace.

    However it's relative newcomer Alison Lohman who steals the show; unquestionably outshining the superb stars working beside her. Her vivacious performance infects us with her energy and enthusiasm, combining a girlish innocence with a brash worldliness. As Roy's 14-year-old daughter, she's both adorable and believably natural. Her attire and mannerisms are spot-on...which is especially commendable, because she was actually 22 years old during filming!

    Actors Bruce Altman and Bruce McGill also supply top-notch support - the former taking centre stage as a psychiatrist, and the latter submitting a grimacing performance as the latest con victim for Roy and Frank.


    Tucking away his visual athletics in favour of something more leisurely and subtle, Ridley Scott (one of the very best visual directors in history) proves he is more than capable of helming special effects extravaganzas and intricate dramas with equal aplomb. The actors also prove their versatility, especially Nicolas Cage who places forth one of the greatest performances of his career. Matchstick Men is a sublime example of old-fashioned filmmaking, with a script that's far too delicious and cunning to spoil. For an entertaining, intelligent, slick comedy-thriller, this is hard to beat.

  • April 15, 2009
    Both an offbeat character study and a tricky fable about con men. Stylishly directed, well-written and boasting an eclectic soundtrack, Matchstick Men is what you get when a bunch of talented pros get together to make a film without worrying about Oscar nominations, career...( read more) moves and 10-Best lists. A tale so complex, so absorbing, and so cerebrally titillating, you won't want to look away for two seconds for fear of missing something. Cage and Rockwell and both fine, but Alison Lohman steals the film right from their hands.
  • January 7, 2009
    "You're a con man?
    - Con artist. Flim flam man, matchstick man, loser. Whatever. Take your pick."

    Ridley Scott delivers one of his best works with this intelligent story about a con man, who's life turns around when he meets his 14 year daughter for the first time. Or does it? D...( read more)id he?

    "Matchstick Men" is a well made comedy and one of Nic Cage's best performances of his career, as an obsessive compulsive man. Sam Rockwell, as his partner in crime, gives us again another funny performance.

    The film is a witty and wonderful character study of Cage's character Roy, how his daughter changes his life. It's technically simple, with beautiful camerawork, twists and turns in the stroy and very good acting. Definitely worth the watch.
  • December 6, 2008
    This movie totally sucked me in and was very entertaining. I didn't see the end coming.
  • November 13, 2009
    I liked it but its nothing that you haven't already seen before. Cage and Rockwell did do a great job though.
  • November 13, 2009
    You want to be a conman/woman? you're gonna want to watch this first LOL
  • November 13, 2009
    Je m'attendais a rien de ce film la et j'ai ete agreablement surprise...et comme je ne devine jamais la fin des films j'ai considere celle-ci plutot bonne
  • November 10, 2009
    Initially the film is boring and is not entertaining. As the film progress i started liking the Roy's character and the movie.
  • November 3, 2009
    i loved this movie, whit this i became an alison lohman`s fan

Critic Reviews


May 4, 2005
Nick Schager, Lessons of Darkness

A lot more fun than most of the director's pompously inflated output. full review

September 15, 2003
David Edelstein, Slate

It's a blah little exploitation picture that thinks it's a deep humanist parable. full review

September 13, 2003
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com

Matchstick Men isn't even remotely intricate; it's not even particularly interesting. full review

September 12, 2003
Claudia Puig, USA Today

A well-acted and intriguing exploration of dishonesty in its varied forms, leavened with a dry comic touch. full review

September 12, 2003
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

The screenplay for Matchstick Men is an achievement of Oscar calibre -- so absorbing that whenever it cuts away from 'the plot,' there is another, better plot to cut to. full review

September 11, 2003
A.O. Scott, The New York Times

An emotional shell game that leaves you feeling cheated even though, on the surface at least, everyone is a winner. full review

September 8, 2003
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Cage and Rockwell play off each other with devilish finesse. full review

View more Matchstick Men reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


  • angelamabar01
    December 4, 2008
    Hello ,
    I came across your profile and I will like us to have a good relationship and to know much better .my name is Angela, i am single and never marriage.I will wait for your reply . you can contact me at this my email address ( angelamabar01@yahoo.com) so that i can send you my picture and more about myself. waiting to hear from you ....PLS TRY TO CONACT ME WITH THE EMAIL ADDRESS angelamabar01@yahoo.com
  • UsernameMissing
    November 13, 2007
    there were senses when i wanned to cry and others when i laugh my ass off!!:)Nic U ROCK ...like always!!!OCD SUITS U!...KIDDING:)))
  • blooona
    June 24, 2007
    Great movie
  • MileyAndAshleyFan
    February 28, 2007
    I love this movie!!! Nicolas Cage ROCKS!!! Great movie.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Matchstick Men Trivia


  • What Nicolas Cage movie involves a phobic con artist and his protege who are on the verge of pulling off a lucrative swindle when the con artist's teenage daughter arrives unexpectedly?  Answer »
  • Name the movie in which Nicolas Cage portrays a conman and his daughter turns up.  Answer »
  • In the movie Matchstick Men, Nicolas Cage's character suffered from what?  Answer »
  • Who connects the following movies: Matchstick Men, Alien, Black Hawk Down, Kingdom of Heaven?  Answer »

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