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Con artists, con men or matchstick men are the names given to people who deceive, cheat, mislead
and lie to earn a living at the expense of other people. Roy Waller (Nicolas Cage) despite being an obsessive/compulsive sufferer is very successful as a con artist as long
as his psychological problems remain under control via the pink pills that he takes. Together with his sincere but cynical partner Frank (Sam Rockwell) there's virtually no scam
he can' t pull off. Roy loses all his pills by accident. His doctor, being no longer around, Frank refers Roy to a psychiatrist friend, Dr. Klein (Bruce Altman), who feels
that there is more to Roy's condition than it appears Roy soon confides to Dr. Klein that he might have a child from his previous marriage and asks the good doctor to call
his previous wife to find out for him. Upon meeting Angela (Alison Lohman), the 14 year old daughter he never knew he had, a strong bond develops between them. Angela admires Roy
for the things he has invested in, like a house and a car. But, it is Roy's personality and inherent goodness that endears him to her. Frank convinces Roy to pull off one
big job. This puts Roy in a dilemma to make a choice between his personal life and profession.
The choice of shots and special effects used enhances each scene making it great to watch. Example
of which are scenes of what Roy sees when he has his nervous spells that makes the viewer part of the movie. In addition, the kind of music played adds a feeling of nostalgia
making it more appealing. The lead cast performed their roles just right especially with a story that can be divided into three other stories each of which could stand
alone. The movie is truly entertaining, offering a mixed genre, from comedy to drama to suspense and thriller.
Man was given talents to make himself a better person and give praise to the One who gave
it. However, Roy and Frank used their talents to cheat and deceive others for profit, but Roy's conscience bothered him. The turning point of his life was meeting his
daughter whom he wanted to protect. People are sometimes too preoccupied in obtaining material possessions to the extent that they forget that a simple life or the love of a
daughter or wife is priceless.
(Date Reviewed: October 17, 2003)
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