“Matchstick Men” is an unexpectedly riveting crime caper from sci-fi aficionado Ridley Scott. I first saw this film during my formative movie-watching days and it (along with “Ocean’s 11”) was a driving force behind my love for heist films. Some might immediately shy away from the film because of Nicolas Cage but fear not, this film was produced in the golden age of his career (1995-2004). If your impressions of Cage are based on his output over the last decade, this film will change your opinion. His portrayal of a con man with Tourette’s syndrome and OCD is very refined and methodical, with his tics growing more intense as his stress increases and becoming subdued as he calms down. He can get a bit irritating at times, but that’s the point. Moreover, he manages to develop chemistry with the characters around him amidst his panic attacks, irritability, and other characteristics. Even with Cage’s masterclass occurring, Alison Lohman manages to steal the screen. It is often painfully obvious when twenty-somethings are cast in the role of a teenager (“Mean Girls” immediately comes to mind) but Lohman’s youthful look and acting make for a convincing 14-year-old. Another underrated actor that shines is Sam Rockwell. I have always loved his performances, especially when he is cast as a sleazeball. He is finally receiving some well-deserved critical attention for his performance in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” but films like “Matchstick Men” and “Moon” show that it is long overdue. The acting is great, the story is compelling, but the most important part is the twist. It is one of those jaw-dropping twists that will always stick with you and is followed by a satisfying resolution. There really isn’t anything bad to say about “Matchstick Men.” It is a highly underrated film and you won’t regret giving it a shot.
[Pictured: Lohman and Cage develop a slightly-awkward-but-well-executed father-daughter relationship]
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