Matchstick Men (DVD, 2004, Widescreen)

"Matchstick Men" starring Nick Cage, Sam Rockwell,

and some chick. The story goes like this....Nick Cage

plays a con artist who swindles folks with assistance from his pal

Rockwell. Nick has obsessive-compulsive disorder, and freaks out at every

little thing, from a door being left open to a general dislike of being

outside. When he accidentally loses his medication, he becomes totally

incapacitated, cleaning maniacally. Sam Rockwell rescues him by

hooking him up with a shrink friend of his, who gives Nick a prescription and

pinpoints the possible source of Nick's complex. It seems Nick may

have fathered a child 14 years earlier, but he was unsure if the child was

born or aborted. The shrink contacts Nick's former wife and finds out

that yes, Nick does have a daughter and she would like to see him.

Nicks life is turned upside down when this wild teenager enters his life,

wanting to know all about him and the work he does. Nick tries to

balance his relationship with his daughter with his life on crime.

Ultimately, Nick will have to make a choice between his business and the

possibility of a family. This movie covers a wide range of emotions. It

manages to be dramatic and suspenseful, while maintaining a playfulness

with the viewer. Nick Cage turns in another strong performance coming off

of his brilliant work in "Adaptation" last year, and Sam Rockwell is

very pleasing in the supporting role. The girl, who is actually 24,

makes a very convincing 14 year old and I was amazed to learn her real age.

A fun movie, and a breath of fresh air.