Matchstick Men (2003)

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Nicolas Cage stars as a neurotic con artist whose life is turned upside down when his teenaged daughter (Alison Lohman) enters his life and distracts him while he’s pulling off a big heist with his protégé (Sam Rockwell). While the summary may sound heavy, Matchstick Men is actually a pretty light, fluffy movie most of the time — an interesting change of pace for director Ridley Scott (Alien, Gladiator).

The relationship between Cage and Lohman, and how it helps Cage become less neurotic, is the glue that holds our attention throughout the film. Both actors give fine performances. Cage is perfectly cast here, playing a man with facial twitches and obsessive compulsive disorder. He’s reluctant at first to let Lohman into his life, but once she arrives, you can see her charm begin cracking into his defenses. And boy, is she ever charming — completely enamored, eager to learn his nefarious trade and spend more time with him.

The third act of the script, adapted by Ted Griffin (Ravenous) and Nick Griffin, based on the book by Eric Garcia, gets dark, twisty, and surprising, all leading to a compelling, emotional climax. With a solid script, engaging characters, and Ridley Scott’s polished style, Matchstick Men fires on all cylinders.