Matchstick Men

Matchstick Men is a 2003 crime-comedy movie directed by Ridley Scott and starring Nicolas Cage, Alison Lohman, and Sam Rockwell. The film is based on the novel Matchstick Men by Eric Garcia.

The movie is centered around the life of Roy Waller (Nicolas Cage), a highly skilled con artist who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He lives a lonely life in Los Angeles, constantly cleaning his apartment and counting his pills. Roy's world is turned upside down when his long-lost daughter, Angela (Alison Lohman), enters the picture. Roy had no idea he had a daughter and is skeptical of her identity at first, but after some investigation, he decides to let her into his life.

Angela is the complete opposite of Roy. She's bubbly, outgoing, and lives life freely without a care in the world. She initially introduces herself to Roy as a Girl Scout who's trying to sell him some cookies, but it doesn't take long for her to reveal the truth about their relationship. Angela is a con artist herself and wants Roy's help in pulling off a major scam.

Initially reluctant to involve Angela in his cons, Roy eventually gives in and the two embark on a journey of deception. They try to run a complicated scam on a wealthy businessman named Chuck Frechette (Bruce McGill), but things quickly get out of hand.

What follows is a cleverly crafted story of love, deceit, and redemption. Roy's OCD and anxieties are explored in-depth, revealing the character's complex and troubled nature. His relationship with Angela evolves throughout the movie, leading to unexpected turns that keep the viewer engaged.

The acting in the movie is top-notch, with Nicolas Cage giving one of his best performances ever. Cage's portrayal of Roy's obsessive-compulsive disorder is both realistic and heartbreaking. Alison Lohman is charming as Angela, and her on-screen chemistry with Cage makes their relationship feel genuine. Sam Rockwell, who plays Roy's con artist partner Frank Mercer, brings his usual charisma and humor to the role.

The movie's direction by Ridley Scott is impressive, with the director masterfully balancing comedy, drama, and action. The film's editing is also commendable, especially during the cons, which are visually stunning and well-executed.

Overall, Matchstick Men is a clever crime-comedy that offers an insightful look into the mind of a con artist with OCD. The movie's well-written plot, expert direction, and excellent acting make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.