Reviews (12)

A sexy, strange, dark movie
If I had a list of erotic movies for women, this one would be on it. Nicolas Cage is at his usual weirded-out best in this one. A very strange, sexy, and unsettling movie. The New Orleans locales add to the dark mood. Some very erotic scenes in this as well. Not a very well-known movie, but one that would appeal to women, I think, more than men. The body-painting scene is one that sticks in my mind as one you will remember!

TACKY SEX DRAMA...
Nicolas Cage was either broke (or whatever) when he made this New Orleans filmed trash. There's no other excuse. He plays a "tortured artist" flinging with the wife of a friend (Judge Reinhold). She is Zandalee (Erika Anderson). Zandalee---what a name. Zandalee loves to----and she likes it as often as possible. You see, she's a "free spirit" and her hubby's a bore. No stretch for Reinhold. But no matter who's naked or how often this is an awful movie. Not even worth the one star. It's so bad I watched it going "oh BROTHER". There is no acting in this movie. Just really bad dialogue spoken by the ones being paid to do so. Marisa Tomeii is somewhere in this mess too. But who cares. It's all pointless. Directed by someone named Sam Pillsbury.

Erika Andersen makes this movie
She IS Zandalee, the sexy and sex-starved creature who propels this tragic story of lust and betrayal. Wow, this actress captivated me when I saw this in theatres eleven years ago. Beauty and talent and loads of sex appeal. Friends and I would debate whether she or Carre Otis (Wild Orchid) were the hottest babes on screen at the time.
Judge Reinhold is her mopey and inevitably cuckolded husband, Thierry. Zandalee yearns for a full and satisfying sex life with Thierry but he is too wrapped up in his own repression to appreciate the glorious gift that is (literally) dancing naked right in front of him.
On the scene comes Johnny (Nicolas Cage), a sleazy old friend of Thierry's who takes full advantage of Zandalee's sexual frustration. She is at first standoffish and untrusting, but caves in to her compelling need and allows Johnny to seduce her and ravish her in the most inappropriate places (like on the freezer in the pantry while Thierry and another dinner guest are chatting in the dining room). The sex with paint scenes are also good, an idea later copied (and abused) by the movie Luscious. I was torn between loathing the treacherous Johnny and eagerly anticipating his next liaison with the beautiful Zandalee.
The French Quarter location and Bayou scenes give great flavor to this movie. Also the assortment of character players whom I can now look back at and say, "Oh, that was him or her!"
Someone else mentioned the great Cajun-sounding score by Pray for Rain, which truly did enhance the exotic mood in the movie. A pity it was never released as a soundtrack.

"Not the best . . .but . . .
For those of us who cherish the steamy city of New Orleans, Zandalee captures the steaminess while transcending its shortcomings.

Rehinhold could have made more of an effort to exhibit a more tragic figure - and could have made an attempt at maintaining
ANY accent. Cage is satan personified. More than a bit melodramatic in many scenes, good cameo appearances by Marissa Tomei, Joe Pantoliano (pricesless cross-dresser!) and Steve Buscemi (playing Steve Buscemi) add to the memorable scenes and memorable/quotable dialogue: ("I'm your reality check" "Its a heartifact" "A little decorum!".

Its worth the 3 bucks to rent of the $ to buy it. Nice steamy, sexy movie. Not the greatest . . . but . . .

Not the best ever . . . but
The score by "Pray for Rain" (not available ANYWHERE) is great.
For those of us who love New Orleans, this film captures the steaminess of that city and the romance of Zan and Cage. Steamy in all senses, this film somehow overcomes all its shortcomings with its quirky dialogue, and endearing appearances by Marisa Tomei, Steve Busciemi and Joe Pantoliano. Rheinhold could have managed to exhibit more "tragedy" in his situation - and his accent changed in evry other scene, but Cage's is that of satan himself. Worth the 3 bucks to rent or the $ +/- to purchase. Also full of memorable, repeatable wonderful one-line quotes! ("I'm your reality check" "Say my name" "Please! some decorum!") ... Read more

Reviews (126)

Exceeded all my expectations
I went into this movie not knowing what to expect. I love Nicolas Cage and Sam Rockwell, but also realized the subject matter could easily become stale and uninteresting.

I settled in and at the end of the movie I was overwhelmed. This movie succeeds on so many levels. It works as a great comedy, as a wonderful morality play, and as a drama about very bad people doing very bad things.

Nicolas Cage is a con artist with a series of neuroses that keep him constantly on medication in order to function. His partner, Sam Rockwell, is a wise-cracking guy who is instantly lovable as Cage's bad-guy sidekick. The movie focuses on Cage and his attempts to reconcile himself with a past wife and child he left when his wife was only 2 months pregnant. He decides to get in touch with his ex-wife to see if he's a father. He finds he has a 14 year old daughter, who steps into his life to try and build a relationship with him.

The role of his daughter is played beautifully by Alison Lohman. She's funny, charming, and lovable as a girl who has been searching for someone that didn't just look at her as unwanted baggage. Cage and Lohman have very good chemistry as father and daughter. Their relationship is one of the most charming parts of the movie.

To go into the story too much would give it away. And, believe me, to give this movie away before you see it would be a crime. So suffice it to say that it'll surprise you, make you laugh, and make you think all at the same time.

The last scene, in my opinion, makes the whole movie twice as good on its own. It left me with a smile on my face all the way to my car.

Take my advice. Watch this movie, but don't let anyone tell you what happens in the story. Find out for yourself. You'll be MUCH happier that you did. And you'll want to sit through the whole thing a 2nd time (I know I plan to).

Twitchy
For Nicolas Cage fans, MATCHSTICK MEN is a treat diluted only by the knowledge that Cage wasn't even nominated for an Oscar-worthy performance.

Cage is Roy, teamed with partner Frank (Sam Rockwell); both are con artists, or "Matchstick Men". As the film opens, we watch as the two cash in on a scam that enables them to plunder the bank account of an elderly couple.

Roy is also an obsessive-compulsive with phobias for dirt and the outdoors. Without his medication, Roy gets twitchy. One day, he accidentally knocks his pill supply down the kitchen sink. Bad timing, since his psychiatrist drug supplier is out of town. On Frank's advice, Roy visits a new shrink, Dr. Klein (Bruce Altman), to whom he admits a previous marriage abandoned some fourteen years previous when his wife was pregnant. Through Klein's intercession, Roy is put in touch with his teenage daughter, Angela (Alison Lohman), who's always been curious about Old Dad. Indeed, against her Mom's wishes, she appears on Roy's doorstep to spend a long weekend. Roy is alternatively smitten with paternal affection and acute anxiety over the dirt Angela tracks onto his carpet. Klein believes the girl's presence is good therapy.

MATCHSTICK MEN is about scammers and cons, so, by the time the credits roll, you shouldn't be too surprised at the general storyline, which is one oft seen before. What elevates the film is the intensity of Cage's extraordinary performance as the mentally tortured lead. We've watched Nicolas do this previously in LEAVING LAS VEGAS and BRINGING OUT THE DEAD. Cage is apparently not one for whom a role is simply a facade easily sluiced away at the end of the day's shoot. Cage always makes me believe the screen character is himself through to the core, something which either makes the actor one of the most talented in the Biz or a schizo seriously in need of professional help.

The other remarkable performance in this film is that of Lohman. Playing the 14-year old Angela, one is apt to forget, or not believe, that the actress is actually in her mid-twenties. She had me fooled.

MATCHSTICK MEN is perhaps one you'll want to see a second time to locate the key sequence where you yourself were fooled. This is first-rate entertainment.

Smells like gum
I'm going to say this movie did not keep my interest. It was too slow paced, but the movie did have some interesting scenes, but then return to slow Ville again. I did not consider this movie a comedy, even though there were some scenes that were humorous. I considered the movie more of a drama. I thought Sam Rockwell's character was not as developed as it could have been. You knew he was a con artist, you knew he "acted" concerned for Roy's character, but that's all. Nicholas Cage plays Roy, an obsessive compulsive con artist who teams up with his Partner Fran (Sam Rockwell) to con people out of their money. They mostly go after old people who are so naïve they pretty much GIVE their money without asking any questions. Roy can't stand being outdoors and can't stand unorganized dirty rooms as he makes people take off their shoes before entering his house. He has problems keeping the pills that help him deal with his disorders. When he does not take those pills, his ticks, and behavior gets even worse. There is a scene in the movie after he discovers he does not have his pills he cleans his apartment for what seems like hours on end from top to bottom. He cleans every square inch, and even uses a toothbrush to clean small areas that some people would not even bother cleansing. Roy discovers he has a 14 year old daughter named Angela from a relationship he ended years before. When he ended this relationship she the woman was pregnant with his child. Angela wants to get to know her father. They begin to form a relationship that starts off awkward, but eventually turns affectionate. Angela begs her father to teach her how to con, and he agrees. Yet after he shows her the ropes he makes her return the money. Okay nice turn, but again hypocritical being he never returned money to any of the elderly people he conned.

One con goes horribly wrong, and their lives are threatened by a con they tried to bilk. An interesting twist at the end turns everything around and things which appear to be true, suddenly are not true after all. Before the movie ends the con gets conned, and he tries to rebuild his life. The movie had potential, but it just loses in parts before it builds up again. Nicholas having germphobia and agoraphobia was an interesting touch. I thought watching him be compulsive would be annoying, but it was very intriguing. Sheila Kelley's character, the grocery check-out clerk, had such a limited role she might as well not have been there. I thought Alison Lohman played her role well. She had me convinced she was a young 14 year old teenager with her youthful appearance. The movie is not bad, I just did not like the slow pace of the movie.

Matchstick Men
Matchstick Men, a movie by Ridley Scott, is a good example of how the casting of good 'physical' actors combined with a director's masterly affection for his work can make good of what is an un-inspiring screen play. The film is worth seeing as a patent example of Mr Scott's masterly craftmanship, but will not last the test of time as a model of dramatic innovation. The moral and emotional ressurection of the lead character would have been more enjoyable to witness had some insight into the circumstances of his earlier decline been offered. The dynamics of his friendship with his cohort, played beautifully by Mr Rockwell, was regrettably left unexplored.

Did not live up to my expectations
A film by Ridley Scott

With the track record of Ridley Scott in mind (Alien, Blade Runner, Gladiator, Thelma and Louise, Black Hawk Down), any time the man makes a new movie I am automatically interested in it. He has a history of creativity and excellence in filmmaking and any new movie that he directs is worth giving a chance. It was with high expectations that I went into "Matchstick Men", a story of a con-artist.

Roy (Nicolas Cage) and Frank (Sam Rockwell) are partners in the art of conning people out of their money. As Roy explains in the film, he doesn't steal people's money, they give it to him. They are mainly working small phone scams for smaller payouts (though Roy seems to be well off considering the size of his house), but Frank is looking to get a big score, which Roy agrees to work. Simple enough, but Roy also has some serious issues. He is compulsive (he must turn the locks or open and close doors three times before actually opening the door all the way), somewhat manic, and he has trouble dealing with the outdoors. Neatness/cleanliness is another issue. Roy is a man with tics.

Into this imperfect, but somewhat structured life comes a big change: Roy's daughter Angela (Alison Lohman). When Roy accidentally knocks his supply of medication down the drain, Roy has to start searching for a psychologist who will prescribe some more on short notice. The doctor he does find also suggests that Roy gets in contact with his daughter, whom he has never met. Angela is a breath of fresh air into Roy's otherwise empty life, but it is also causing some conflict into the big con that Roy and Frank are working on.

My expectations may have been too high, because I wasn't overly impressed with "Matchstick Men". For the first half to two thirds of the movie, I just could not engage with the characters. Part of the problem probably lies in the fact that I do not care for Nicolas Cage as an actor. It just seems like he is trying too hard to create a character through personality tics (with the notable exceptions of Leaving Las Vegas, and The Family Man). His characters are just not likeable, or interesting enough for me to engage with, but I understand that this is just a personal perception.

The shining star of the movie is Alison Lohman (also in White Oleander) who was nearly 10 years older than the age she was playing in the movie. She can act and look so young and vulnerable despite being in her mid 20's. The rest of the acting was well done (though I still don't care for Cage), but it didn't all come together like I would have expected. The idea of the "con" runs throughout the entire movie and there are several twists along the way, but this is a fairly lightweight movie up until about three quarters of the way through the movie when it completely changes in tone (and oddly enough becomes a better movie). I hoped for so much more from "Matchstick Men", but I didn't think it lived up to the promise of what it could have been with the talent involved.

-Joe Sherry ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

The second of Francis Ford Coppola's films based on the popular juvenile novels of S.E. Hinton (the first being The Outsiders), Rumble Fish split critics into opposite camps: those who admired the film for its heavily stylized indulgence, and those who hated it for the very same reason. Whatever the response, it's clearly the work of a maverick director who isn't afraid to push the limits of his innovative talent. Filmed almost entirely in black and white with an occasional dash of color for symbolic effect, this tale of alienated youth centers on gang leader Rusty James (Matt Dillon) and his band of punk pals. Rusty's got a girlfriend (Diane Lane), an older brother named Motorcycle Boy (Mickey Rourke), and a drunken father (Dennis Hopper) who've all given up trying to straighten him out. He's best at making trouble, and he pursues that skill with an enthusiastic flair that eventually catches up with him. But it's not the whacked-out story here that matters--it's the uninhibited verve of Coppola's visual approach, which includes everything from time-lapse clouds to the kind of smoky streets and alleyways that could only exist in the movies. The supporting cast includes a host of fresh faces who went on to thriving careers, including Nicolas Cage, Christopher Penn, Vincent Spano, Laurence Fishburne, and musician Tom Waits. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Chemistry and Vision
What makes a five star film? How about a cast starring Matt Dillon, Mikey Rourke, Dennis Hopper (and a cameo appearance by Tom Waits!), a soundtrack by Stewart Copeland (with a bit of Stan Rigeway!), a story by S.E. Hinton, and directed by Fracis Ford Coppola. This film is magic. It is modern impressionism shot in a timeless realm- a blackboard sky. Its more than rouge street kid getting into rumbles, its a story of fish that need to be set free, so they can swim to the ocean where there are no dividing lines. When this movie first came out in the early eighties, it got negative reviews and a cold public welcoming. As you can see here -an almost five star consensus- it was very ahead of its time. This movie probably hit the establishment like a bomb, which at the time was very conservative. All that aside, this is an extraordinary film- a true art piece of the silver screen- livid, bullish, and moving.

Ready To Rumble
Following his acclaimed adaptation of S.E Hinton's book, The Ousiders, director Francis Ford Coppola decided to make another of the author's books into a film. Rumble Fish is another comming of age story. Coppola wanted to stretch his creative juices, and wanted to distinguish it from The Outsiders, so he made a rather bold move by shooting most of it in black and white. This was a risky move, considering that its target audience is the teenager, and typically they avoid colorless films.

Rumble Fish tells the story of Rusty James (Matt Dillon), a gang member, who's being pulled in many directions by the people in his life. His brother, "Motorcycle Boy" (Mickey Roarke), his alcoholic Dad (Dennis Hopper), and his girlfriend Patty (Diane Lane), all want Rusty to straighten out his life. He soon finds himself with some difficult choices to make.

The cast is quite solid. Of particular interest to watch is the interplay between Dillon and Roarke and Dillon and Lane. Roarke plays the older brother with authority and range that the actor isn't exactly known for of late. Lane maintains the give and take with Dillon that began in The Outsiders. Dillon, plays a man who struggles with influences all around him, while trying to make the right choice. The use of minimal color works and serves to highlight the cinematograpy and contrasts the action well.

I can't explain why the movie isn't as remembered as it should be. But... As good as I believe the film is, the minimal extras on the DVD, are disappointing Production notes and the theatrical trailer is all you get. I wish there were more of a perspective on the film. Rumble Fish is stiil recommended just the same.

One of Francis Ford Coppola's finest!
Despite the less than admirable response this movie received when it was introduced to the American public, it is my opinion that this movie is highly underrated. The black-and-white film, time-lapse motion photography, and the recurring motif of clouds and smoke all contribute to the visual beauty of this movie. Based on the book by S.E. Hinton, the movie draws the viewer into a trance-like surrealism. Mickey Rourke's portrayal as the mystical, aloof Motorcycle Boy was excellent. This is the ultimate "coming-of-age" movie. Highly recommended!

"He's like royalty in exile..."
Francis Ford Coppola's Rumble Fish was booed by its audience when it debuted at the New York Film Festival and in turn was viciously crucified by North American critics upon general release. They resisted the allure of such a dreamy, atmospheric film that works on so many levels. It is also Coppola's most personal and experimental project--on par with the likes of Apocalypse Now. Rumble Fish curiously remains one of Coppola's often overlooked films. This may be due to the fact that it refuses to conform to mainstream tastes and stubbornly challenges the Hollywood system with its moody black and white cinematography and non-narrative approach.

Rumble Fish curiously remains one of Coppola's often overlooked films. It refuses to conform to mainstream tastes and stubbornly challenges the Hollywood system with its moody black and white cinematography and non-narrative approach.

It was a movie clearly ahead of its time: a stylish masterpiece that is obsessed with the notion of time, loyalty, and family. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of Coppola's film is that it presents a world that refers to the past, present, and future while remaining timeless in nature.

Right from the first image, Rumble Fish is a film that exudes style and ambience. It opens on a beautiful shot of wispy clouds rushing overhead, captured via time lapse photography to the experimental, percussive soundtrack that envelopes the whole film. This creates the feeling of not only time running out, but also a sense of timelessness.

As always, Coppola assembled an impressive ensemble cast for his film. From The Outsiders, he kept Matt Dillon, Diane Lane, Glenn Withrow, William Smith and Tom Waits, while casting actors like Mickey Rourke and Vincent Spano, who were overlooked for roles in the film for one reason or another. They all fill out their roles admirably, but Mickey Rourke in particular is mesmerizing as the Motorcycle Boy. He portrays the character as a calm, low key figure that seems to be constantly distracted as if he is in another world or reality.

Every scene is filled with dreamy imagery that never gets too abstract but, instead, draws the viewer into this strange world. Coppola uses colour to emphasize certain images, like the Siamese fighting fish in the pet store--some of the only colour in the film--to create additional layers in this complex, detailed world.

Overblown, top-heavy pomposity-- but interesting.
Coppola obviously is setting out to make the mythical American teen picture, set in the midwest, a modern gothic Rebel Without a Cause replete with Dennis Hopper as the drunken paterfamilias. The story in this film is very very weak. Essentially, it is a slave to the visual poetry of Coppola, which is at times breathtaking, but at others, painfully "innovative" Same thing can be said about Stewart Copeland's score, at times it's a bizarre reflection of the angst of youth, but mostly it's just from left field and an unsuccessful experiment. Matt Dillon's acting is atrocious. Very little to no character development with the supporting characters. A thoroughly disappointing film, but given its unique qualities, has to be appreciated. Just like Coppola himself! ... Read more

Description

Click on the titles below for individual product details. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Gone in 60 Seconds and Con Air DVDs
Action films are difficult buisness. Audiences today expect ever impressive action, smooth one-liners and enough explosions to make John McClane jump off a 20-storey building. While these two films don't reach the excellent heights of THE ROCK and FACE OFF, they're still fun entertainment. The pairing of two of Nicholas Cage's most high-octane action-addrenalin films sits together well, with both GONE IN 60 SECONDS and CON AIR making a very satisfying action night. Produced by action maestro Jerry Bruckheimer, CON AIR is one of my favourite Nic Cage films (Second only to FACE OFF). Effortlessly cool, it's a must-have DVD. This has tons of action, smart one-liners, great actors (John Malcovich as "The Virus" and Steve Buscemi as Garland Greene) and the Bruckheimer M.O: awesome action and big things exploding. Great fun. Directed by Dominic Sena, GONE IN 60 SECONDS isn't as impressive, and although Cage is cool, Angelina Jolie doesn't do much. Director Sena (SWORDFISH) spends too much time on un-interesting sup-plots and not enough on fun action set-pieces. The last 20 minutes are very exciting though, with a montage of high-speed chases in trademark Bruckheimer style. Not as good as THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS, but if you want a fast car chase flick with incredible action, then this is a must.

The Best
Oh my Gosh
Nick is the best Actor ever!!
He always plays the best parts and seems to always be the hero!! Also he and all the actors in gone in 60 Sec. fit the part perfectly!! You go Guys!!

Two great movies one low price
I must say this is a fantastic pack! Nicholas Cage is a fantastic actor and these are two of his best films. Con-air is a movie that has it all! It would definetly in my all time top ten films. As for Gone in Sixy seconds a great car flick and the fact that it has Joey Jeramiah from Degrassi Junior high in it makes is all the more sweeter! For the small price it's well worth checking out!

Gone in 60 Seconds
Gone in 60 seconds is remade in modern hollywood style with tremendous gusto. The movie never yearns for more energy or excitement. One must admit that the plot is shallow as well as the characters. However, this movie is for those who like a little excitement and speed topped off with tough down and dirty characters played by two of the hollywoods toughest Nicolas Cage and Angela Joule. This movie is for those who want excitement and action. If you want a deep thoughful plot look further.

The Best of Nicholas Cage
Two of my favorite movies by one of my favorite actors. A must have for any DVD collection. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Just the facts - from the back cover:
Enrico (Nicholas Cage), a young soldier stationed in Africa, struggles to survive the consequences of a passionate crime igniting an obsessive search for rescue and redemption. A painful toothache becomes the catalyst for a series of bizarre events when Enrico abandons his camp in search of a dentist, but finds instead a hidden oasis and sanctuary with an exotic young African woman. A brief moment of violent lust gives way to an unexpected bond of friendship, but their passionate encounter comes to an abrupt end when she is mortally wounded one night by one of his stray bullets. Guilt ridden, Enrico covers up his crime only to be confronted with the chilling realization that she may have infected him with leprosy. Haunted by the threat of banishment and fearful he may never be allowed to go home again, Enrico embarks upon a desperate odyssey, searching for the truth in her past and the fate of his future.

Nick Cage in a bad role
Nicky Cage was not very good in this cinematic decomplishment, as he turns in a horrible acting job in this dull and boring movie ... Read more

Description

Love has left the marriage of Zandalee and Thierry - so Zandalee finds ecstacy in the arms of Johnny, her husband's boyhood friend. Once aroused, her longings cannot be satisfied until her obsessive need for passion overwhelms the three in a dark triangle of desire and death. Nicolas Cage ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A sexy, strange, dark movie
If I had a list of erotic movies for women, this one would be on it. Nicolas Cage is at his usual weirded-out best in this one. A very strange, sexy, and unsettling movie. The New Orleans locales add to the dark mood. Some very erotic scenes in this as well. Not a very well-known movie, but one that would appeal to women, I think, more than men. The body-painting scene is one that sticks in my mind as one you will remember!

TACKY SEX DRAMA...
Nicolas Cage was either broke (or whatever) when he made this New Orleans filmed trash. There's no other excuse. He plays a "tortured artist" flinging with the wife of a friend (Judge Reinhold). She is Zandalee (Erika Anderson). Zandalee---what a name. Zandalee loves to----and she likes it as often as possible. You see, she's a "free spirit" and her hubby's a bore. No stretch for Reinhold. But no matter who's naked or how often this is an awful movie. Not even worth the one star. It's so bad I watched it going "oh BROTHER". There is no acting in this movie. Just really bad dialogue spoken by the ones being paid to do so. Marisa Tomeii is somewhere in this mess too. But who cares. It's all pointless. Directed by someone named Sam Pillsbury.

Erika Andersen makes this movie
She IS Zandalee, the sexy and sex-starved creature who propels this tragic story of lust and betrayal. Wow, this actress captivated me when I saw this in theatres eleven years ago. Beauty and talent and loads of sex appeal. Friends and I would debate whether she or Carre Otis (Wild Orchid) were the hottest babes on screen at the time.
Judge Reinhold is her mopey and inevitably cuckolded husband, Thierry. Zandalee yearns for a full and satisfying sex life with Thierry but he is too wrapped up in his own repression to appreciate the glorious gift that is (literally) dancing naked right in front of him.
On the scene comes Johnny (Nicolas Cage), a sleazy old friend of Thierry's who takes full advantage of Zandalee's sexual frustration. She is at first standoffish and untrusting, but caves in to her compelling need and allows Johnny to seduce her and ravish her in the most inappropriate places (like on the freezer in the pantry while Thierry and another dinner guest are chatting in the dining room). The sex with paint scenes are also good, an idea later copied (and abused) by the movie Luscious. I was torn between loathing the treacherous Johnny and eagerly anticipating his next liaison with the beautiful Zandalee.
The French Quarter location and Bayou scenes give great flavor to this movie. Also the assortment of character players whom I can now look back at and say, "Oh, that was him or her!"
Someone else mentioned the great Cajun-sounding score by Pray for Rain, which truly did enhance the exotic mood in the movie. A pity it was never released as a soundtrack.

"Not the best . . .but . . .
For those of us who cherish the steamy city of New Orleans, Zandalee captures the steaminess while transcending its shortcomings.

Rehinhold could have made more of an effort to exhibit a more tragic figure - and could have made an attempt at maintaining
ANY accent. Cage is satan personified. More than a bit melodramatic in many scenes, good cameo appearances by Marissa Tomei, Joe Pantoliano (pricesless cross-dresser!) and Steve Buscemi (playing Steve Buscemi) add to the memorable scenes and memorable/quotable dialogue: ("I'm your reality check" "Its a heartifact" "A little decorum!".

Its worth the 3 bucks to rent of the $ to buy it. Nice steamy, sexy movie. Not the greatest . . . but . . .

Not the best ever . . . but
The score by "Pray for Rain" (not available ANYWHERE) is great.
For those of us who love New Orleans, this film captures the steaminess of that city and the romance of Zan and Cage. Steamy in all senses, this film somehow overcomes all its shortcomings with its quirky dialogue, and endearing appearances by Marisa Tomei, Steve Busciemi and Joe Pantoliano. Rheinhold could have managed to exhibit more "tragedy" in his situation - and his accent changed in evry other scene, but Cage's is that of satan himself. Worth the 3 bucks to rent or the $ +/- to purchase. Also full of memorable, repeatable wonderful one-line quotes! ("I'm your reality check" "Say my name" "Please! some decorum!") ... Read more

Amazon.com

This animated adaptation of Charles Dickens's Christmas classic retains the essence of the timeless tale while introducing some fresh interpretations. A celebrity cast provides voices for the roles of Scrooge (Simon Callow), Marley (Nicolas Cage), and Belle (Kate Winslet), yet the beauty of the film flows from its artistic usage of CG technology, such as the "painted" scenery of Scrooge's thoughts during his journey through Christmases Past, Present, and Future. The script honors the original story while proving that it is indeed possible to be moved to tears by a group of animated characters. Dickens purists may argue that few movie versions of A Christmas Carol can compete with Alastair Sim's 1951 rendition, or George C. Scott's 1984 remake, yet this film does not need to supplant, but rather complement, such predecessors. It is an especially good choice for young viewers who may find the black-and-white version too scary. (Ages 5 and older)--Lynn Gibson ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Passable Version But Flawed
This could have been an excellent animated version of "Christmas Carol" except the character design is seriously flawed. The backgrounds are beautiful, the story well told with some humerous additions, yet, in this day of CGI animation, the characters are FLAT. There is no shading of the characters, no folds in the clothing, even printed comic books have more dimention than these characters. This leads to a rather boring watching experience.

On the disc's special features, the original live opening and closing are shown. They really are wonderful sequences and there is no explanation of why they were cut for the DVD version. They explain why the two mice are used throughout the film. They are a delightful addition to the story.

There is a motivation as to why Scrooge becomes the unpleasant character he is concerning his loss of Belle in early life. She becomes a major character in this version and the idea works well even if it is not strictly Dickens.

This is a decent version of the classic that could have been really wonderful if the animators had fully used the CGI shadings that the characters really need. ... Read more

Description

A phobic con artist and his protege are on the verge of pulling off a lucrative swindle when the con artist's teenage daughter arrives unexpectedly ... Read more

Reviews (126)

Exceeded all my expectations
I went into this movie not knowing what to expect. I love Nicolas Cage and Sam Rockwell, but also realized the subject matter could easily become stale and uninteresting.

I settled in and at the end of the movie I was overwhelmed. This movie succeeds on so many levels. It works as a great comedy, as a wonderful morality play, and as a drama about very bad people doing very bad things.

Nicolas Cage is a con artist with a series of neuroses that keep him constantly on medication in order to function. His partner, Sam Rockwell, is a wise-cracking guy who is instantly lovable as Cage's bad-guy sidekick. The movie focuses on Cage and his attempts to reconcile himself with a past wife and child he left when his wife was only 2 months pregnant. He decides to get in touch with his ex-wife to see if he's a father. He finds he has a 14 year old daughter, who steps into his life to try and build a relationship with him.

The role of his daughter is played beautifully by Alison Lohman. She's funny, charming, and lovable as a girl who has been searching for someone that didn't just look at her as unwanted baggage. Cage and Lohman have very good chemistry as father and daughter. Their relationship is one of the most charming parts of the movie.

To go into the story too much would give it away. And, believe me, to give this movie away before you see it would be a crime. So suffice it to say that it'll surprise you, make you laugh, and make you think all at the same time.

The last scene, in my opinion, makes the whole movie twice as good on its own. It left me with a smile on my face all the way to my car.

Take my advice. Watch this movie, but don't let anyone tell you what happens in the story. Find out for yourself. You'll be MUCH happier that you did. And you'll want to sit through the whole thing a 2nd time (I know I plan to).

Twitchy
For Nicolas Cage fans, MATCHSTICK MEN is a treat diluted only by the knowledge that Cage wasn't even nominated for an Oscar-worthy performance.

Cage is Roy, teamed with partner Frank (Sam Rockwell); both are con artists, or "Matchstick Men". As the film opens, we watch as the two cash in on a scam that enables them to plunder the bank account of an elderly couple.

Roy is also an obsessive-compulsive with phobias for dirt and the outdoors. Without his medication, Roy gets twitchy. One day, he accidentally knocks his pill supply down the kitchen sink. Bad timing, since his psychiatrist drug supplier is out of town. On Frank's advice, Roy visits a new shrink, Dr. Klein (Bruce Altman), to whom he admits a previous marriage abandoned some fourteen years previous when his wife was pregnant. Through Klein's intercession, Roy is put in touch with his teenage daughter, Angela (Alison Lohman), who's always been curious about Old Dad. Indeed, against her Mom's wishes, she appears on Roy's doorstep to spend a long weekend. Roy is alternatively smitten with paternal affection and acute anxiety over the dirt Angela tracks onto his carpet. Klein believes the girl's presence is good therapy.

MATCHSTICK MEN is about scammers and cons, so, by the time the credits roll, you shouldn't be too surprised at the general storyline, which is one oft seen before. What elevates the film is the intensity of Cage's extraordinary performance as the mentally tortured lead. We've watched Nicolas do this previously in LEAVING LAS VEGAS and BRINGING OUT THE DEAD. Cage is apparently not one for whom a role is simply a facade easily sluiced away at the end of the day's shoot. Cage always makes me believe the screen character is himself through to the core, something which either makes the actor one of the most talented in the Biz or a schizo seriously in need of professional help.

The other remarkable performance in this film is that of Lohman. Playing the 14-year old Angela, one is apt to forget, or not believe, that the actress is actually in her mid-twenties. She had me fooled.

MATCHSTICK MEN is perhaps one you'll want to see a second time to locate the key sequence where you yourself were fooled. This is first-rate entertainment.

Smells like gum
I'm going to say this movie did not keep my interest. It was too slow paced, but the movie did have some interesting scenes, but then return to slow Ville again. I did not consider this movie a comedy, even though there were some scenes that were humorous. I considered the movie more of a drama. I thought Sam Rockwell's character was not as developed as it could have been. You knew he was a con artist, you knew he "acted" concerned for Roy's character, but that's all. Nicholas Cage plays Roy, an obsessive compulsive con artist who teams up with his Partner Fran (Sam Rockwell) to con people out of their money. They mostly go after old people who are so naïve they pretty much GIVE their money without asking any questions. Roy can't stand being outdoors and can't stand unorganized dirty rooms as he makes people take off their shoes before entering his house. He has problems keeping the pills that help him deal with his disorders. When he does not take those pills, his ticks, and behavior gets even worse. There is a scene in the movie after he discovers he does not have his pills he cleans his apartment for what seems like hours on end from top to bottom. He cleans every square inch, and even uses a toothbrush to clean small areas that some people would not even bother cleansing. Roy discovers he has a 14 year old daughter named Angela from a relationship he ended years before. When he ended this relationship she the woman was pregnant with his child. Angela wants to get to know her father. They begin to form a relationship that starts off awkward, but eventually turns affectionate. Angela begs her father to teach her how to con, and he agrees. Yet after he shows her the ropes he makes her return the money. Okay nice turn, but again hypocritical being he never returned money to any of the elderly people he conned.

One con goes horribly wrong, and their lives are threatened by a con they tried to bilk. An interesting twist at the end turns everything around and things which appear to be true, suddenly are not true after all. Before the movie ends the con gets conned, and he tries to rebuild his life. The movie had potential, but it just loses in parts before it builds up again. Nicholas having germphobia and agoraphobia was an interesting touch. I thought watching him be compulsive would be annoying, but it was very intriguing. Sheila Kelley's character, the grocery check-out clerk, had such a limited role she might as well not have been there. I thought Alison Lohman played her role well. She had me convinced she was a young 14 year old teenager with her youthful appearance. The movie is not bad, I just did not like the slow pace of the movie.

Matchstick Men
Matchstick Men, a movie by Ridley Scott, is a good example of how the casting of good 'physical' actors combined with a director's masterly affection for his work can make good of what is an un-inspiring screen play. The film is worth seeing as a patent example of Mr Scott's masterly craftmanship, but will not last the test of time as a model of dramatic innovation. The moral and emotional ressurection of the lead character would have been more enjoyable to witness had some insight into the circumstances of his earlier decline been offered. The dynamics of his friendship with his cohort, played beautifully by Mr Rockwell, was regrettably left unexplored.

Did not live up to my expectations
A film by Ridley Scott

With the track record of Ridley Scott in mind (Alien, Blade Runner, Gladiator, Thelma and Louise, Black Hawk Down), any time the man makes a new movie I am automatically interested in it. He has a history of creativity and excellence in filmmaking and any new movie that he directs is worth giving a chance. It was with high expectations that I went into "Matchstick Men", a story of a con-artist.

Roy (Nicolas Cage) and Frank (Sam Rockwell) are partners in the art of conning people out of their money. As Roy explains in the film, he doesn't steal people's money, they give it to him. They are mainly working small phone scams for smaller payouts (though Roy seems to be well off considering the size of his house), but Frank is looking to get a big score, which Roy agrees to work. Simple enough, but Roy also has some serious issues. He is compulsive (he must turn the locks or open and close doors three times before actually opening the door all the way), somewhat manic, and he has trouble dealing with the outdoors. Neatness/cleanliness is another issue. Roy is a man with tics.

Into this imperfect, but somewhat structured life comes a big change: Roy's daughter Angela (Alison Lohman). When Roy accidentally knocks his supply of medication down the drain, Roy has to start searching for a psychologist who will prescribe some more on short notice. The doctor he does find also suggests that Roy gets in contact with his daughter, whom he has never met. Angela is a breath of fresh air into Roy's otherwise empty life, but it is also causing some conflict into the big con that Roy and Frank are working on.

My expectations may have been too high, because I wasn't overly impressed with "Matchstick Men". For the first half to two thirds of the movie, I just could not engage with the characters. Part of the problem probably lies in the fact that I do not care for Nicolas Cage as an actor. It just seems like he is trying too hard to create a character through personality tics (with the notable exceptions of Leaving Las Vegas, and The Family Man). His characters are just not likeable, or interesting enough for me to engage with, but I understand that this is just a personal perception.

The shining star of the movie is Alison Lohman (also in White Oleander) who was nearly 10 years older than the age she was playing in the movie. She can act and look so young and vulnerable despite being in her mid 20's. The rest of the acting was well done (though I still don't care for Cage), but it didn't all come together like I would have expected. The idea of the "con" runs throughout the entire movie and there are several twists along the way, but this is a fairly lightweight movie up until about three quarters of the way through the movie when it completely changes in tone (and oddly enough becomes a better movie). I hoped for so much more from "Matchstick Men", but I didn't think it lived up to the promise of what it could have been with the talent involved.

-Joe Sherry ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Pretty good, Mr. Cage
This movie may just be under 3 stars; it may be around 2 3/4 stars, but that's neither here nor there. I love Nicolas Cage's movies and I like Samuel L. Jackson as well. I'm sorry to say that I did not see the original "Amos And Andy" film; so I have no comparison there, but in comparing it with other Cage movies, it's pretty funny.

Cage and Jackson play almost reverse roles as to how blacks and whites are viewed in modern society. Nicolas Cage plays the part of Amos Odell, a dirty convict. And on the other side we have Jackson playing Andrew Sterling, a famous black man who thinks that because he lived in a majority-white town that all whites hate him. So as Andrew (I don't know why they changed the name from Andy to Andrew--maybe to make it more 'professional' or something) moves into a new town, his neighbors spy a black man (Jackson) in what they didn't know was his house, standing by a stereo. And of course, being the simplistic white peoples they are, they call the police; assuming he was stealing his neighbor's stereo. Funny, in itself...

I'll stop there, I don't want to give away the story or the ending here. You'll have to watch it for yourself and decide whether you like it or not. If you enjoy either Nicolas Cage or Samuel L. Jackson movies, you may enjoy this one.

This isn't a remake of the old Amos n' Andy TV show!
Once you understand that, it makes for a very good comedy or sattire with a title that is reminiscent to the old classic television show.

Samuel L. Jackson plays the role of Andrew Sterling, a rich African-American producer,author, and entreprenuer. He buys a home and moves to a small suburban community that isn't use to seeing people of color. A couple is out walking their dog one night and is suprised to see a black man in the home of their neighbors (they don't know that the house has been sold to Sterling) so of course they call the police. They also think that Sterling must be holding their neighbors hostage. Dabney Coleman (9 to 5, War Games) is the opportunistic police chief who looks at this as a chance to plug his campaign for County Commissioner. After the chief figures out that they've been shooting at Andrew Sterling - in front of his own house - and not a burglar they hatch a crazy scheme to cover up their blunder.

Enters Amos Odell (Nicolas Cage), a petty theif. The chief sends him into the house with a shotgun to tie up Sterling and pretend to hold him hostage. Unfortuneatly the media catches wind of the hostage situation and rushes to the scene. Hilarity ensues. It get's wilder and funnier from there. Definetly worth a watch.

A Very Entertaining Movie!!!!
I first viewed this movie when it first came out and loved it.I had forgotten all about it untill 2 weeks ago, when while looking on amazon, saw its listing. I ordered it straight away, and would have to say that this is a very entertaining movie. It has a very original story line, and is realy funny. This movie is a must see, rent or buy, you cant go wrong.

Underrated Gem
I first watched this movie in the mid-90's at the suggestion of a video store clerk. My one thought when I was done was "Why hadn't I heard of this before?" I recently rented it again to show my highly sceptical wife. She loved it and forced her parents to watch it. We're now 4 for 4 in our family!

This movie sets up a great situation and then does a good job playing out all the threads with its major themes, particularly the preconceptions of the supposedly 'liberal' neighbors. Cage and Jackson play their parts well (and play off of each other well).Dabney Coleman plays his basic mean-[jerk] role and does it well. The supporting cast is all good. If you don't laugh, you're taking yourself too seriously.

Not nearly as good as the original!
Yeesh! This has gotta be one of the worst cinematic adaptations of a classic TV show I've ever seen! For starters, most of the core characters that made the infamous sitcom so endearing aren't even in this! Calhoun, Lightnin', Sapphire-- nowhere to be seen! Also noticeable is the movie's PC spin on a very un-PC show! A most obvious example of this is Amos (Nicholas Cage), who is now a white guy with a bad sense of direction! And where the original Amos was pretty much just a supporting character who did the narration, the new one is the co-star! Then there's Andrew (Samuel L. Jackson)-- that's right, they made his first name a bit more 'proper'-sounding here--, who's changed from the Kingfish's somewhat dense tag-along sidekick into a Pulitzer-prize winning author/columnist/professor who pretty much stands on his own-- or tries to, anyway. And as far as I can figure, the Kingfish character was so gratuitously altered into the town sheriff (Dabney Coleman), you can't even see any similarities between the two anymore! Well, except perhaps the underhanded scheming that is. But other than that, the newbie's pretty much a polar opposite of the original.

In summation: if you wanna see a good cinematic adaptation of a classic TV series, check out The Untouchables™ or The Fugitive™, and forget about this one altogether. Better yet, why not just watch the original show-- granted you can find tapes of it of course...

'Late! ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A sexy, strange, dark movie
If I had a list of erotic movies for women, this one would be on it. Nicolas Cage is at his usual weirded-out best in this one. A very strange, sexy, and unsettling movie. The New Orleans locales add to the dark mood. Some very erotic scenes in this as well. Not a very well-known movie, but one that would appeal to women, I think, more than men. The body-painting scene is one that sticks in my mind as one you will remember!

TACKY SEX DRAMA...
Nicolas Cage was either broke (or whatever) when he made this New Orleans filmed trash. There's no other excuse. He plays a "tortured artist" flinging with the wife of a friend (Judge Reinhold). She is Zandalee (Erika Anderson). Zandalee---what a name. Zandalee loves to----and she likes it as often as possible. You see, she's a "free spirit" and her hubby's a bore. No stretch for Reinhold. But no matter who's naked or how often this is an awful movie. Not even worth the one star. It's so bad I watched it going "oh BROTHER". There is no acting in this movie. Just really bad dialogue spoken by the ones being paid to do so. Marisa Tomeii is somewhere in this mess too. But who cares. It's all pointless. Directed by someone named Sam Pillsbury.

Erika Andersen makes this movie
She IS Zandalee, the sexy and sex-starved creature who propels this tragic story of lust and betrayal. Wow, this actress captivated me when I saw this in theatres eleven years ago. Beauty and talent and loads of sex appeal. Friends and I would debate whether she or Carre Otis (Wild Orchid) were the hottest babes on screen at the time.
Judge Reinhold is her mopey and inevitably cuckolded husband, Thierry. Zandalee yearns for a full and satisfying sex life with Thierry but he is too wrapped up in his own repression to appreciate the glorious gift that is (literally) dancing naked right in front of him.
On the scene comes Johnny (Nicolas Cage), a sleazy old friend of Thierry's who takes full advantage of Zandalee's sexual frustration. She is at first standoffish and untrusting, but caves in to her compelling need and allows Johnny to seduce her and ravish her in the most inappropriate places (like on the freezer in the pantry while Thierry and another dinner guest are chatting in the dining room). The sex with paint scenes are also good, an idea later copied (and abused) by the movie Luscious. I was torn between loathing the treacherous Johnny and eagerly anticipating his next liaison with the beautiful Zandalee.
The French Quarter location and Bayou scenes give great flavor to this movie. Also the assortment of character players whom I can now look back at and say, "Oh, that was him or her!"
Someone else mentioned the great Cajun-sounding score by Pray for Rain, which truly did enhance the exotic mood in the movie. A pity it was never released as a soundtrack.

"Not the best . . .but . . .
For those of us who cherish the steamy city of New Orleans, Zandalee captures the steaminess while transcending its shortcomings.

Rehinhold could have made more of an effort to exhibit a more tragic figure - and could have made an attempt at maintaining
ANY accent. Cage is satan personified. More than a bit melodramatic in many scenes, good cameo appearances by Marissa Tomei, Joe Pantoliano (pricesless cross-dresser!) and Steve Buscemi (playing Steve Buscemi) add to the memorable scenes and memorable/quotable dialogue: ("I'm your reality check" "Its a heartifact" "A little decorum!".

Its worth the 3 bucks to rent of the $ to buy it. Nice steamy, sexy movie. Not the greatest . . . but . . .

Not the best ever . . . but
The score by "Pray for Rain" (not available ANYWHERE) is great.
For those of us who love New Orleans, this film captures the steaminess of that city and the romance of Zan and Cage. Steamy in all senses, this film somehow overcomes all its shortcomings with its quirky dialogue, and endearing appearances by Marisa Tomei, Steve Busciemi and Joe Pantoliano. Rheinhold could have managed to exhibit more "tragedy" in his situation - and his accent changed in evry other scene, but Cage's is that of satan himself. Worth the 3 bucks to rent or the $ +/- to purchase. Also full of memorable, repeatable wonderful one-line quotes! ("I'm your reality check" "Say my name" "Please! some decorum!") ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Just the facts - from the back cover:
Enrico (Nicholas Cage), a young soldier stationed in Africa, struggles to survive the consequences of a passionate crime igniting an obsessive search for rescue and redemption. A painful toothache becomes the catalyst for a series of bizarre events when Enrico abandons his camp in search of a dentist, but finds instead a hidden oasis and sanctuary with an exotic young African woman. A brief moment of violent lust gives way to an unexpected bond of friendship, but their passionate encounter comes to an abrupt end when she is mortally wounded one night by one of his stray bullets. Guilt ridden, Enrico covers up his crime only to be confronted with the chilling realization that she may have infected him with leprosy. Haunted by the threat of banishment and fearful he may never be allowed to go home again, Enrico embarks upon a desperate odyssey, searching for the truth in her past and the fate of his future.

Nick Cage in a bad role
Nicky Cage was not very good in this cinematic decomplishment, as he turns in a horrible acting job in this dull and boring movie ... Read more