In 2002, Eric Garcia published a novel titled, “Matchstick Men.” Roy Waller makes a living as a con man who swindles people. He’s has tics and happens to be a neat freak. His protege, Frank Mercer suggests visiting a psychiatrist to treat his tics and cleaning obsession. One day, Roy learns he has a 14-year-old daughter named, Angela from a previous marriage. Roy juggles between getting to know his daughter and pulling off the biggest con. Swindle a wealthy businessman. Sometime Later, Ridley Scott read the book. He became interested in adapting it into a film. Nicolas “Nic” Cage, Sam Rockwell & Allison Lohman signed on for the lead parts.
Released in 2003, (same year The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King came out) it received positive reviews from critics. Although the film recoup its production of $62 million, it didn’t make enough to cover marketing expenses. Anyway, I have good two reasons why I wanna review Matchstick Men.
- Mr. Cage will attend Fan Expo Dallas 2026 in September 12-13. Which is Saturday and Sunday. I got plans to take a pic with Spider-Noir himself. I’m also taking a pic with Charlie Sheen, Elijah Wood & Sean Astin.
- Ridley Scott’s next film, “The Dog Stars” with Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley & Josh Brolin will be released in August 28, 2026.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving you a chance to see this underrated gem.
Rich & Poor Qualities
Rich: Nicolas “Nic” Cage, Sam Rockwell & Allison Lohman all did a fantastic job for their respective performances.
Ridley Scott did a solid job directing. He also produced the film.
Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future Trilogy, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Forrest Gump) served as an executive producer courtesy of his production company, ImageMovers.
Ted Griffin (Ocean’s 11, Tower Heist) co-wrote the script with his brother, Nicholas.
Hans Zimmer (Gladiator, Interstellar, Dune movies) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Jokes are actually pretty funny. The pharmacy scene is way funnier than these unfunny comedies of 2003. Definitely wasn’t a good year for comedy.
- Kangaroo Jack
- The Lizzie McGuire Movie
- Daddy Day Care
- Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd
- Rugrats Go Wild
- Alex and Emma
- From Justin to Kelly
- Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle
- Spy Kids 3D: Game Over
- Gigli
- Uptown Girls
- Duplex
- Good Boy!
- Scary Movie 3
- Looney Tunes: Back in Action
- The Cat in the Hat
- The Haunted Mansion
- Love Don’t Cost a Thing
Cinematography‘s shot in stable condition lacking technical issues throughout.
Roy’s chemistry with Frank & Angela serves as the main highlight.
Character Development involving Roy. My eyes were glued to the screen without looking at my watch.
Pacing didn’t feel like a drab at all.
The Tone has a blend of seriousness and comedy.
A Plot Twist changes everything. I did not see that coming from a mile away. Ten times better than Ang Lee’s Hulk & “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.”
Rewatching the film leads to subtle foreshadowing.
If you own a DVD/Blu-Ray copy, Ridley and the writers provide audio commentary sharing their thoughts on making the film.
Fun Facts
- Nic & Sam later worked in “G-Force.”
- Matchstick Men’s a term for con men.
- Frank Sinatra’s “Summer Wind” is played twice. It was also used in “The Pope of Greenwich Village” & “Blade Runner 2049.”
- This isn’t the first film to feature a character who’s a neat freak like Double D from “Ed, Edd n Eddy.” Dakota Fanning’s character, Ray from “Uptown Girls” is also a neat freak. I’ll take Matchstick Men over this unfunny comedy. No disrespect to Ms. Fanning, I have to give some of my favorite actors/actresses tough love.
Random Thought: I consider Matchstick Men as one of Nic’s best films in the 2000s along with “The Weather Man,” “National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets” & “Adaptation.”
Poor: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the cast and crew for making a flawless film as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Like The Weather Man, Matchstick Men is a criminally underrated gem. It deserves some attention. If you’re gearing up take a pic or have Nic Cage’s autograph at Fan Expo Dallas 2026, check out both aforementioned flicks. Which Nic Cage film should I review next? Please leave a comment. Don’t forget to watch Spider-Noir on Prime Video. It’s worth your spare time.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 