Today’s quick review: Matchstick Men. Nic Cage stars as an OCD conman whose life is upended by the sudden appearance of a teenage daughter he never knew he had. She quickly ingratiates herself into his life, and while her sloppy habits are a source of stress for him, he comes to appreciate her company. Against his better judgment, Cage teaches her how to con, and soon she ends up involved with his latest major con alongside Cage’s partner in crime.
Matchstick Men is credible father-daughter film worked into a crime drama plot. Nic Cage brings his signature style to the role, projecting cool confidence in his role as a criminal, burgeoning tenderness in his role as a father, and extreme irritability in his role as a man suffering from neuroses. His daughter brings out the best in him, and in spite of himself he begins to come out of his shell. Fans of Nic Cage for his acting and fans of Nic Cage for his freakouts should both have something to enjoy in Matchstick Men. The plot is well-constructed and well-executed, and while the film isn’t groundbreaking in its concept or presentation, it is a satisfying watch. Give Matchstick Men a shot if you’re in the mood for a crime film with a quirky protagonist and a fulfilling emotional arc. 7.3 out of 10 on IMDB.