A Twitch With A Switch

Matchstick Men (2003) – A con artist with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder keeps his life and his work neatly in order, despite a partner who likes to stir things up. When a teenager shows up claiming to be his daughter, his life turns upside down.

Directed by Ridley Scott

Starring Nicolas Cage, Alison Lohman, Sam Rockwell, Bruce McGill

Why I Liked It – All three leads are brilliant, weaving a web of deception in all directions

I saw this movie originally in the theater when first released. When I stumbled upon it this time around, I’ll admit it was seeing Sam Rockwell’s name in the cast list that drew me in. Nic Cage can be everything from stunningly, superstar brilliant to more of a “what the hell was that?” for me. Alison Lohman was unknown to me going in. Rockwell never fails to fascinate. Give him Cage near the top of his form and an excellent performance by Lohman, and this movie is ready to rock!

Cage and Rockwell play con men partners. They run a variety of scams that efficiently separate the gullible from their cash. They are smooth, just as long as Roy (Cage) can keep his various OCD tics under control. Frank (Rockwell) enjoys setting them off when they’re not working and complains bitterly if they show up “at work”. Roy is the careful planner, while Frank plays fast and loose at times. It’s worked well for them both, affording them comfortable lives. Then Angela arrives. She’s high-energy, high-maintenance, and claims to be a daughter Roy never knew existed. Angela is a source of utter chaos in Roy’s careful life. His relationship with her changes his outlook on life, his partnership with Frank, and gives him the chance for one big retirement con. With the new outlook on life he has from Angela, it feels like it’s time to step away.

The movie is funny, poignant, and painful all at the same time. Everybody knows something isn’t right, but they can’t figure out what it is. The original ending was non-Hollywood style (sorry, no spoilers), but changed it based on test audience reactions. While I’m a fan of a non-Hollywood ending (meaning NOT a happily ever after ending), I think they made the correct decision with the ending here. It carries more of the overall feel/emotion of the full film.

Had to take off a few points for the rather slow pacing into the middle of the movie, but the second half is really good.

You can stream “Matchstick Men” on Roku, Tubi, Sling TV, YouTube,Google Play Movie, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

Rating *** Worth A Look