MATCHSTICK MEN
Released: September 12, 2003
Director Ridley Scott returns after his 2001 war epic "Black Hawk Down" and right before his re-edited 1979 horror film "Alien" hits the theatres with a more grounded film about a con man played by Nicolas Cage. His associate in con is played by rising star Sam Rockwell. The pair are about to pull off a big con when the Cage's teenage daughter arrives unexpectedly. Ridley Scott takes a break from his "Gladiator" styled epics for more of a down to Earth "Thelma & Louise" type of viewing experience - and the results are fun and enjoyable. Once you get past the logistical limitations and just enjoy the film for what it is, you will have a good time. Your enjoyment of "Matchstick Men" will depend on how soon you guess the ending and if you appreciate the extended ending or not. I liked it, regardless. It's Ridley Scott just having fun in a character-driven drama/comedy. Joining Cage and Rockwell is Alison Lohman ("White Oleander"). She's actually 24 but plays Cage's 14 year old daughter with utter believability. One of their marks is Bruce McGill (D-Day from "Animal House") and the others in the cast are all great, including Bruce Altman and Sheila Kelley. This movie has a sort of Robert Zemeckis feel to it in addition to a Ridley Scott feel, so it comes as no surprise that Robert Zemeckis helped produce the flick. If anything, go see "Matchstick Men" for the interaction between the three leads Cage, Rockwell and Lohman. It's a fun ride from start to finish. Not quite extraordinary like Scott is capable of but surely not a dud by any stretch of the imagination...
116 Minutes
Warner Bros.