Nicholas Cage gives his best performance since “Leaving Los Vegas” as con man Roy Waller in this sophisticated movie about familial responsibility, self-imposed barriers and the possibilities of a well executed long con. Based on the book by Eric Garcia, “Matchstick Men” follows obsessive compulsive con man Roy and his encouraging partner Frank (Sam Rockwell) as they go for big money with the abrupt help of Roy’s recently discovered 14-year-old daughter Angela (Alison Lohman). The meticulous script by Nicholas and Ted Griffin is shaped by director Ridley Scott (“Black Hawk Down”) into a tugging mix of humor and drama that’s put on brilliant display in finely drawn performances by Cage, Rockwell and Lohman. Alison Lohman continues to overwhelm audiences with her astonishing charm and emotional range following her Oscar-worthy performance in last year’s sleeper “White Oleander.”
Rated PG-13. 118 mins. (A-) (Four Stars)
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