The Popkorn Junkie :: Matchstick Men

How about this -- I am going to go ahead and tell you three of the Best Actor nominees for the 2004 Academy Awards. One is Paul Giamatti for his portrayal of Harvey Pekar in "American Splendor". Another is Bill Murray for his best performance to date in Sofia Coppola's "Lost in Translation". And, finally, Nicolas Cage (again) for his exceptional characterization of Roy Waller in Ridley Scott's "Matchstick Men", one of the best films of the year by leaps and bounds.

Cage stars as Roy Waller, an obsessive compulsive con-man who, along with his partner Frank (Sam Rockwell) start out by conning people out of their tax refunds; that is, until they decide to go for the big score. Complicating matters is the emergence of Cage's daughter Angela (Alison Lohman), who eventually learns how to con just as good as dear old dad. Bruce Mc Gill co-stars as the mark, and Bruce Altman as Cage's psychiatrist.

This entire films is about performances, performances, performances. Cage is exceptional, as always, as Roy, and delivers the best dramatization of an obsessive compulsive ever captured on film; he makes Jack Nicholson in "As Good As It Gets" look like a mere neurotic. Sam Rockwell adds a large quantity of the comic relief, which he is so skilled at doing, and Alison Lohman (a 24 year old playing a 15 year old) proves that she is one of the hottest young actresses in Hollywood today. The one performance that will probably go unnoticed is Bruce McGill as the mark, though he is spot on the entire time and has the kind of fun with his role you wish more actors would have.

Director Ridley Scott shows with each new picture that he is one of the best directors out there, and this is easily his best picture to date (and, yes, I know he directed "Alien" and the highly overrated "Gladiator", which was a sham in my opinion). The way in which he structures the cons and is able to insert intense scenes of drama is mesmerizing to me. There is a truly effective scene with Cage in a pharmacy trying to get some of his pills that is as over the top as it is heartbreaking, bringing back memories of his performance in "Leaving Las Vegas".

"Matchstick Men" is not only one of the best films of the year, but it is receiving so many good reviews, I would not be surprised if Oscar does not shine brightly. I can see a nomination for Cage as Best Actor, Lohman as Best Supporting Actress, Ridley Scott for Best Director, and possibly the film for Best Picture. Yes, it is that good. I would have never thought I would like the film so much. Thank God I was wrong.

-- Billy Ray ( 4 out of 4 pops )

Talk about this film with other Popkorn Junkies

Other Junkie's opinions.....

Mike ( 3 1/2 out of 4 pops )

Let me say right away that Matchstick Men really surprised me because it was not the movie I expected it to be. While the con-game theme is certainly evident in the film, it is hardly the main ingredient in what is really a character-based story. I had heard some reviews comparing it to The Sting, but complex and intricate con games is not what this film is about. It's almost all about the Nicolas Cage character. And Cage does a masterful job playing this very troubled guy who has had his wife walk out on him in the past. With so many great acting roles I've seen this year, it is going to be very difficult to pick the five nominees for best actor. But you can take this to the bank, Cage will have a nomination for this great piece of acting. The two main supporting roles by Sam Rockwell and Alison Lohman are also very good and add a lot to make this film click.

Matt ( 3 out of 4 pops )

This is a slick, funny, well-written film. Hopefully, Ridley Scott will discover that it is possible for him to make a good film without any intense violence. And there's a great plot twist at the end. I don't expect the movie itself to win any Oscars, but Nicolas Cage definitely deserves a Best Actor nod. He pulls off this challenging role with flying colors. The character contains many different dimensions (paranoia, heartbreak, loneliness, etc.), and plus he has to take on every characteristic of a man with obsessive compulsive disorder. His performance is consistent, as he never misses a stammer or twitch. His best scene is when he storms into a pharmacy, begging the pharmacist to give him the pills he needs, even though he doesn't have a prescription. I won't give away the payoff of that scene, because it's very funny. Sam Rockwell brings good comic relief. Allison Lohman deserves much recognition, seamlessly holding her own in front of the brilliant Nicolas Cage. Despite the bad reviews, her performance in this movie tempts me to check out "White Oleander." The film itself is good in its own right, but the main reason to see this movie should be for Nick Cage. This has to be one of his most magnificent performances up to date!