Customer Reviews

Matchstick Men [VHS]

5 star:		(68)
4 star:		(56)
3 star:		(25)
2 star:		(12)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

"Matchstick Men" may not have been a box office success (compare it to the total gross of "National Treasure" [Cage's next film] and "Kingdom of Heaven" [Scott's next film]), but it certainly is one of the better-crafted & better-acted films to be associated with either of these men. I was beginning to wonder if Cage could ever repeat a performance like what he did in "Leaving Las Vegas." While his obsessive-compulsive con-man may not be the disaster along the lines of a suicidal alcoholic, he comes close with the impact he makes on the viewer. This could easily have veered into caricature, but Cage creates a creditable & believable obsessive-compulsive.

Perhaps this could be classified as a comedy, but it has an awfully bittersweet quality to it which makes the movie difficult to categorize with any ease. The characters of Roy & Angela (a very very good performance by Alison Lohman, who is entirely believable as a 14-year-old) are real enough to cause the viewer to have a vested interest in their ultimate fate, as the movie takes numerous twists & turns.

Ridley Scott did quite a good job at crafting a movie that avoids being too obvious, and which flows along nicely, maintaining viewer interest throughout. This was a very satisfying film, through & through...I wish these two guys could make more like this.

As one of the best actors of our time Nicolas Cage may have increased his already huge star power with his performance as Roy the "Con Artist" in Matchstick Men. As a divorced con man who left his pregnant wife, Cage gives an unbelievably believable peformance of a struggling soul with a guilty conscience. Facial tics, stuttering, and strange noises when expressing himself through words are executed with frightening realism by Cage as someone tormented by an obsessive compulsive disorder. Playing Roy's foil and partner in crime is Frank played by Sam Rockwell, who turns in a great, if not equal performance. Roy's penchant for cleanliness is challenged by Frank's slovenly behavior and shoot from the hip attitude. This relationship works well as Frank portrays the rough around the edges protege of Roy the mentor. Angela(Allyson Lohman) is Roy's 14-yr. old daughter that he has never known. Until now. In the middle of the biggest score of Roy's life, Angela shows up and begins to pull Roy out of the funk that began 14 years ago. Connecting on a criminal level, son and daughter forge a common bond that is engaging and enjoyable to watch. Cage's obsessive compulsive behavior seems to lessen each time he shares a pizza with Lohman. These characters are truly flawed and represent the human condition in all of its tragic imperfections perfectly. In the end we all may have do something emotionally upsetting to make ends meet in a world revolving around money. With equal amounts of comedy, drama, and suspense; Matchstick Men is a movie that truly has purpose. Discovering the purpose makes for one of the best surprise endings , as well as movies, of the year.

`Matchstick Men' is one of those movies that makes you realize why some actors have support. Up until watching this film I had been a `Cage-Hater', a guy who just couldn't wrap his head around all the critical support (granted, I saw this movie before watching `Adaptation' and since watching that film I've realized this man `can' act, he just chooses not to half the time). Here though Nicolas Cage gave me a brief glimpse of the man that everyone else sees. As con-artist Roy Waller, Cage gives us a brilliant performance.

My main problem with Cage has been his stiff natured acting, the fact that every time he speaks it feels as if he's reading a prompter card, and so I think that the fact that his character here suffers from a severe case of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) helps a lot in that regard since he's supposed to sound stiff and unnatural.

Roy works with fellow con Frank (Sam Rockwell), the young hotshot protégé who has higher ambitions than Roy himself, and this is causing them to butt-heads a bit. The real drama though comes in the form of Angela (Alison Lohman), a young 14-year old who claims to be his daughter. At first Roy's put off and distant, but after Angela shows major interest in her fathers line of `work' they begin to bond by pulling small con-jobs together. Meanwhile Frank is getting more and more agitated with the new bond between father and daughter because it's causing a strain on a big job they have coming up.

Filled with twists and turns and an ending I never saw coming, `Matchstick Men' is the perfect kind of caper. It's got great acting from a cast I never knew had it in them and a great moral message that manifests itself as the film unravels. Alison Lohman is charming and natural and Sam Rockwell is the perfect side-kick, but the real shocker (at least to me) was the mere fact that Nicolas Cage steals the show from everyone!

This cross between "The Sting" and "Paper Moon" pits master con artist Roy (Nicholas Cage) against himself. He has the smooth moves, the grasp of the intricate game he must play, the equally smooth partner (Sam Rockwell), but he cannot master his own obsessive-compulsive urges which manifest themselves in agoraphobia, tics, and, at times, full paralysis. When his partner Mark insists that he sees a shrink for his problems, Roy makes halting progress, leading to his discovery of his previously unknown teenage daughter Angela (Alison Lohman.) What happens next is both hilarious and heartbreaking as Cage exposes his character's heart tic by tic during his biggest con scheme yet.

I cannot fault a single performance in this film. No one plays comedic pathos the way Cage does, and he is at his absolute best here - even non-fans might be converted. Supporting actress Alison Lohman's performance is bubbly, nuanced, and adorable, making Roy's instant affection for Angela completely believable. The direction, screenplay, and other supporting performances add yet another layer of perfection to the film. This is the kind of movie you can watch several times before you get enough of it.

In the pantheon of con man movies (now almost a separate genre), Ridley Scott's Matchstick Men combines the witty geniality of The Sting with a little of the sardonic darkness of The Grifters and House of Games. Smoothly and impeccably done, it is the story of Roy, a master con artist whose unadmitted yet progessive guilt over his way of life has turned him into a seething, obsessive-compulsive neurotic. While his partner (Sam Rockwell) keeps pressuring Roy to go for a big score, his therapist informs him of the existence of a long-lost teenage daughter (Alison Lohman) from a brief, long-ago marriage. Roy's reaction to this news, his reunion with his daughter and her influence on his work comprise the story of Matchstick Men, a funny and resoundingly entertaining film with one of the most jaw-dropping surprise endings in recent memory. Rockwell and Lohman give excellent supporting performances, but it is Cage--one of the few actors who can go way over the top and take the audience with him--who steals the film with a comic performance that is perfect in every twitchy detail.

I really enjoyed this movie, up until the end, but a few minutes after the film ended I decided that I really did like the ending. It all works. This movie is so funny and likeable that I don't think many people can turn away from it's endearing charm and wit.

Cage stars as Roy, a guy with a serious amount of nervous ticks and obsessive compulsive behaviors. He can never calm down-- it's like he's got caffeine for blood, which makes him a really fun character to be around for the couple hours the movie is. Roy is a con artist, pulling a big job with his partner Mark (Sam Rockwell-- who is absolutely amazing). Mark is annoyed that Roy can't even calm down when they're in the middle of a job so he tells Roy to see a shrink. Roy then learns he has a fourteen year old daughter, played by the magnificnet Allison Lohman. She's emotional, she smells like bubble gum, and she's in the way of Roy's life as a con artist.

The ending really is too good for words. It surprised the heck out of me, that's for sure. I never saw it coming. There's certainly a sadness to it, but it works so well I can't hardly complain.

Truly, this movie is worth watching. Cage playing a guy with so many ticks is irresistably funny, a tad annoying, and kind of sad all at the same time. This movie not only boasts alot of talent from it's actors, but an endearing story with an unexpected ending. I recommend this one to anyone who just wants to see an awesome movie.

I love Ridley Scott. He is one of those directors who are capable of doing almost anything. Sure, he has had some misfires in the past, and he will continue to have a few, but overall he has proven that he can sink into nearly any genre with ease and deliver something memorable.

`Matchstick Men' is a light yet striking film that could stand tall with the best Scott has been able to produce.

The film revolves around two con men, Roy and Frank, who find their operation flipped on its head with the sudden appearance of Angela. This young teenager claims to be Roy's daughter. This is news to him, but he learns to accept the possibility, and over time the two form a bond, especially when it becomes apparent that Angela possesses the same knack that Roy has for his `profession'. Frank is less than thrilled about this new development, but he doesn't really have much of a say in the matter.

Just wait for the twist!

What I like so much about this film is that it possesses a light and airy vibe that suits the whole genre very well. This is a `sting' film, a crime comedy that capitalizes on the swift humor to create a complete aura. The visual style is very bleached, as if it has been sitting out in the sun too long. I love that visual. It's kind of like someone took the breezy feel of Woody Allen's `Vicky Cristina Barcelona' and baked it.

I also give Scott credit for coaxing out of the cast some of their best work to date. Everyone and their mother knows my dislike for Nicolas Cage. He is such an unnatural actor. That said, he has shone in films that capitalize on his ticks and force him to create something natural out of them. This is one of his finest performances. Using Roy's OCD as a building block, Cage actually creates a believable and engaging character in Roy. Sam Rockwell is lauded by a lock of my cinephile friends, but I find him highly overrated. Here he sinks into the dramedy aspect of the film effortlessly, and while it isn't a `standing ovation' type supporting role, he definitely `supports' the film very well. Alison Lohman taps into Angela's soft side to great effect (it was needed to sell some of the more intimate aspects of her character development, and also that of Roy's).

`Matchstick Men' is good breezy fun with a great (totally unexpected) twist that will leave you blindsided (and conflicted in your amusement). This is definitely worth your time and attention. You may have missed this one (it didn't get the publicity it deserved) but once you see it you won't forget it.

Ridley Scott has once again delivered an excellent movie, reassuring his might in Hollywood, although there was little doubt after his string of success. "Matchstick Men" is a con comedy, about a man (Nicholas Cage) who finally decides to go after the big score with his partner (Sam Rockwell). Things become complicated when he meets the daughter he never knew he had (Alison Lohman), and she begins to show an interest in the skill of cons.

The acting in this film is superb, and the casting is absolutely perfect. Nicholas Cage, who has made some awful movies in his day, returns to the form of "Leaving Las Vegas" and "Adaptation", mastering all the ticks and nuances of his character, who is afflicted with numerous disorders, including obsessive-compulsive. Sam Rockwell shows again why he is becoming one of the more sought-after actors out there, as this is the third movie I have seen him shine in, after "Welcome to Collingwood" and "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind". He could be one of the greatest actors in a few years time, because he plays every character with such an irresistable charm and sense of humour. Also, I cannot say enough about the beautiful Alison Lohman. Don't worry, it's okay that I say that, because she is actually 24 years old, despite the youthful characters she always plays. She showed us in "White Oleander" that she was going to be great, and she continues that in "Matchstick Men". As the daughter, she plays a hardened girl washed over with the innocence of youth, and the confusion between disliking her mother and just only meeting her long estranged father.

The writers of this movie did an excellent job in creating great chemistry between the characters, brought out in the strong performances by the actors. The partner relationship of Cage and Rockwell is excellent, as there is a mutual respect and friendship between the two men. But the real prize here is the father-daughter chemistry crated by Cage and Lohman, which is dead-on. With both of them nailing their performances, their interaction seemed completely normal and seamless.

Although the plot here may be a tad predictable, as most heist/con movies tend to be, but Scott's directing allows us to enjoy this film until the end. I have heard some people complain about the ending, saying that it should have ended before the "One year later..." part, but I don't know about that, because the ending allows the characters to come full-circle, showing that they are whole people in the end, and that there can be forgiveness to all their deceit and pain.

Overall, "Matchstick Men" is a must-see movie, because it gives us all the elements of a great film, starting with the director and the solid script and ending with the great performances by some great actors.

Well, I rented the movie to see how Nicholas cage potrays con man as he looks innocent and sincere guy in his appearance.After seeing the film, I was just thrilled and surprised this didn't touch oscars. Nicholas plays a con guy who misleads people by tactful stealing, selling water filters promising fake gift certificates and non-existent shows. He make hell of money which he keeps in his bank locker. His protege is Sam Rockwell, a foul mouthed guy. Cage suffers from Panic attacks, Agoraphobia, OCD and his rituals involve cleaning, Counting 3 when closing and opening doors and also Trouttes syndrome. He takes treatment from a cocky psychiatrist. All of sudden his 14yr daughter brilliantly done by Lohman appears in his lonely life and he loves her though he starts of rather ackwardly.The father daughter relationship is so heartening and cute to watch. Cage teaches his daughter his con tricks and she gets involved in a big cheating episode. The melo-drama movie ends thrilling all of us. No spoilers here !
Nicholas cage does very complex roles of being a con-man, father/daughter relationship and his Anxiety disorder with unbelievable ease. The film could have been easily spoiled and unrealistic but for his acting. He deserves Oscar for this. The ending finds his calm and mature man conquering his inner devils. Lohman is 25yrs old and it is unbelievable how she potrayed a 14yr old. She just looks like 14yr old unless we see her in the end of the movie where she is transformed. I wondered if it was a special effect ! She acts with effortless ease displaying teenage emotions of naughtiness, innocence, affection and bickering. A treat to watch her.
Entire plot is gripping with new plot starting every 15 minutes. Did I say it is drama movie which ends as a twist ending thriller ? An underated movie worth seeing !

Matchstick men in an enjoyable movie in which Nicholas Cage plays the obsessive compulsive Con Artist Roy. He and his "business" partner Frank make their livings conning unsuspecting people into forking over cash in exchange for a crappy product and a tax free car... After mastering that they move on to even bigger cons...

Roy had been seeing a doctor for his obsessive compulsive tendencies and that doctor was giving him medicine illegally, one day Ron drops the medicine down the drain, calls the doctor for more only to find out that the doctor has packed up and skipped town... Now Roy must see a shrink in order to get help, so his "business" partner Frank sets up and appointment for him with a shrink he found.

Roy begins seeing the shrink and talking about his life, and the last relationship he had, fourteen years before. He was with a woman who left him after finding out she was pregnant, so he never got to meet his child... the doctor suggests he contact the woman and try to meet his kid but he is to nervous and begs the doctor to contact her....

So the doctor calls the woman and tells Roy that she doesn't want to see or speak to him but his fourteen year old daughter Angela is dying to meet him....

So begins his father daughter relationship with Angela. She begins spending tons of time with him and even follows him along and helps with some of his cons...

While his new found relationship is great we watch Roy's life crumble around him...

This movie is a great funny, heartbreaking, and semi-action packed film. Dealing with family, friendship, betrayal and more I recommend this to anyone looking for a movie with a stupendous plot twist...