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Matchstick MenMeet Roy (Nicolas Cage) and his protégé Frank (Sam Rockwell), a couple of small-time con artists (aka Matchstick Men) who are on the verge of their most lucrative swindle. Roy's private life, however, is not so successful. An obsessive-compulsive agoraphobe (and chain-smoker) with no personal relationships to call his own... until he learns he has a 14-year old daughter Angela (Alison Lohman). Now, Angela wants in on the partnership – but that could seriously jeopardize Roy's peace of mind, not to mention his whole way of life. Ridley Scott's grifting comedy won't leave you feeling conned.
The Film
The DVD Overall: 7/10
At first glance, Matchstick Men doesn't seem to know what to do with itself. Indeed, the producers couldn't all agree on a genre together. And it becomes apparent in the first hour or so, when there appears to be no idea where the story is going. Thankfully, the last hour redeems itself and more, as once the story does get going, it's powerful, and you just wish it had happened earlier, before boredom set in. At least the first hour does set the general tone and introduces all the principle characters, who are so varied you wouldn't expect them in the same film together. But it all works out in the end and the twists are genuinely unpredictable, and give the rest of the film a whole new light, which is always a good sign for repeat viewings. Thankfully I didn't know the twists, though I had read a number of reviews beforehand. I wouldn't recommend the same - just watch it and see for yourself what you think, but remember to watch past the hour mark before you give up.
Film: 8/10
A commentary and an extensive documentary, as well as the obligatory trailer. The documentary covers pre-production, production and post-production, and never feels like its repeating itself. Definitely worth seeing, once you've seen the film, as there are some spoilers, which is good really, because at least then you know it's been made for the DVD, not as a plug on TV.
Disc: 7/10
