) performance is equally strong and worthy of praise. This guy is talented and this role gives him another opportunity to demonstrate his versatility as an actor. I wasn't as impressed with the performance of Alison Lohman which lacked a certain amount of believability. That being said, her role was difficult, in so much as its hard for twenty year-olds to convincingly play fourteen year olds.
Matchstick Men also distinguishes itself in that it deviates partially from the con man Robin Hood formula. These con men don't just steal from the rich but from average Mr. and Mrs. Smith's as well. Taking the varnish off of your central characters is not something that happens that often in Hollywood films. Unfortunately, and this is what prevents me giving the movie a higher rating, the movie's redemptive resolution seeks to reapply some of the stripped varnish. The result is logical enough but too cute and somewhat unrealistic in my opinion. You'll have to see the film for yourself to determine if you agree but this is one movie that would have been that much better with a harsher alternative ending.
Without giving away the twist, and what would a movie about con men be without one, Matchstick Men plays fair and all the clues are present if your paying attention. The twist, as should be always be the case, doesn't come out of left field.
Matchstick Men is a fresh and very human look at the life of a neurotic con artist filled with wit and superb performances. The race for Oscar has officially begun.
Running time - 120 minutes
Check out my TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2003 & WORST MOVIES OF 2003 lists.
Alternative Reviews:
Roger Ebert's Review
Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
Peter Travers / Rolling Stone Review
Private Joker's Review
Matchstick Men Official Web Site
