Be Reel Quick…
‘Matchstick Men’ is a surprising choice of film for Ridley Scott, but if this marks a change in style for the typically action-based director, this is a reasonably impressive start. The film sees Roy Waller (Nicholas Cage), an obsessive-compulsive conman, teamed with a less troubled partner in crime, Frank Mercer (Sam Rockwell) who pull off a series of successful scams, raking in plenty of unsolicited cash. That is, until Roy’s teenage daughter (he never knew he had), suddenly appears on the scene. And it is when Lohman appears that we enjoy the film’s most entertaining moments. At 24 years old, it is amazing to watch Lohman play an utterly believable 14-year old – with her irresistible smile and unfaltering enthusiasm for her new-found Dad, she positively lights up the screen. Essentially, it is her relationship with the parentally inept Cage that provides the comedy and sparkle that makes this film worth watching.
Scott reveals hidden sensitivities as he crafts a touching and warm affection from this father-daughter relationship. And this from the man who created perhaps cinema’s most shocking and horrific moment with the extra-terrestial "birth" in ‘Alien’ and the equally delightful brain-frying scene in ‘Hannibal’. With this example, it’s possible to believe even Vinnie Jones has a sensitive side – the next rom-com lead? Or not. This film certainly proves that Scott can do more than alarm his audience with gore and explosions. Fans of his recent work shouldn’t feel too downhearted though – there is a decent sprinkling of tension and excitement that keeps the pace up.
‘Matchstick Men’ is Cage’s second attempt at estranged neurotic, (‘Adaptation’ being the first), and he seems to tackle the role adequately but in scenes without Lohman to bounce off, his character lacks charisma and interest. The film is by no means perfect: there are some niggling problems and elaborate plot moves that don’t fit too comfortably as this movie progresses. Cage’s OCD is inconsistent to say the least, and Rockwell’s Frank remains a two-dimensional character that seems to serve as little more than a counter-point to the neurotic Roy. Ultimately, this is a film to be watched for entertainment, not too much of a problem is posed for the old grey-matter and Lohman’s stunning acting impresses throughout. With her unique appeal and talent, could she be one to watch climb the glittering ladder of Hollywood fame?
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