Matchstick Men (2003) Review in 2025
Matchstick Men is a comedy-drama film about a con artist with obsessive-compulsive disorder who tries to balance his life with his teenage son and a new love interest.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for mature teenagers and adults due to some mature themes and language.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for its engaging story, well-developed characters, and excellent direction. It's suitable for mature teenagers and adults due to some mature themes and language.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows Roy Waller, a con artist with OCD, as he tries to pull off one last heist with his partner Frank. However, things get complicated when Roy's son, Chuck, gets involved and Roy starts to develop feelings for a woman named Nicole. Meanwhile, Roy's OCD symptoms worsen, causing tension in his relationships and putting the entire heist at risk.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a unique blend of comedy and drama. The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping the viewer interested until the very end.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Nicolas Cage delivering a career-defining performance as Roy Waller. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Sam Rockwell and Alison Lohman delivering memorable performances.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Nicolas Cage delivering a standout performance as Roy Waller. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Sam Rockwell and Alison Lohman delivering memorable performances.
direction9.00/10
Ridley Scott's direction is masterful, bringing the story to life with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the characters.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, with a mix of bright and muted colors that perfectly capture the mood of the film.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie's unique blend of comedy and drama, the excellent performances from the cast, and the masterful direction from Ridley Scott make it a standout film.
Cons
The movie's pacing can be a bit slow at times, and some viewers may find the characters' OCD symptoms to be a bit too intense.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a con artist, I'm a professional."
"I'm not a liar, I'm a storyteller."
"I'm not a thief, I'm a collector."
