Matchstick Men (2003) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
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.
Rated PG-13 • 2003 • 1h 56m
Matchstick Men is a slick con-artist caper that earns its PG-13 rating with mature themes, a scene of violence, and some strong language. The film centers on Roy Waller, a criminal whose life is governed by severe OCD and Tourette's syndrome, themes which are depicted with distressing intensity. The primary reasons for the rating are a climactic scene involving a shooting, some profanity including a single use of "f--k", and the… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Matchstick Men appropriate for kids?
Matchstick Men is a slick con-artist caper that earns its PG-13 rating with mature themes, a scene of violence, and some strong language. The film centers on Roy Waller, a criminal whose life is governed by severe OCD and Tourette's syndrome, themes which are depicted with… Read more — free account
Content severity in Matchstick Men
What happens in Matchstick Men, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:18 💬 Language 3/10
- 0:25 🍷 Substances 3/10
Sex and nudity in Matchstick Men
Sexual content is very light. There is a brief scene where men enter a club and scantily-clad pole dancers are visible in the background, though with no nudity. A man's bare buttocks are briefly seen through an open-backed hospital gown in one scene. A passing verbal reference is made to "getting laid."
Violence and gore in Matchstick Men
Violence is mostly moderate, but features one strong sequence. A character mentions having given his ex-wife a black eye in the past. In the climax, a man is seen badly beaten with a bloody mouth, another man is held at gunpoint, and a girl shoots him in the stomach (some blood is seen on his hand). Another scene involves a man being struck on the head and knocked unconscious. A car chase includes an aggressive confrontation where a character grabs at someone through a car window.
Language in Matchstick Men
Language includes one use of the F-word. Beyond that, there are over 15 uses of "s--t," as well as milder terms like "asshole," "hell," and "son of a b--ch." Exclamatory uses of "God," "Jesus Christ," and "Godd--n" are also present throughout.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Matchstick Men
Substance use is present but not a central focus. The main character smokes cigarettes frequently throughout the film. In one scene, his teenage 'daughter' Angela also smokes a cigarette. Characters are occasionally seen drinking alcohol in social settings. Roy takes prescription medication for his disorders, which is later revealed to be a placebo.
Mature themes in Matchstick Men
The film's primary thematic content involves mental illness and crime. The protagonist's severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, agoraphobia, and Tourette syndrome are depicted frequently and can be intense, with scenes of debilitating panic attacks and verbal tics. The entire narrative is built on themes of deception, emotional manipulation, and betrayal, culminating in a psychologically cruel long con that devastates the main character. A past miscarriage is also discussed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Matchstick Men appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Matchstick Men is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Matchstick Men is a slick con-artist caper that earns its PG-13 rating with mature themes, a scene of violence, and some strong language. The film centers on Roy Waller, a criminal whose life is governed by severe OCD…
What age rating does Matchstick Men have?
Matchstick Men is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Matchstick Men about?
Matchstick Men is a slick con-artist caper that earns its PG-13 rating with mature themes, a scene of violence, and some strong language. The film centers on Roy Waller, a criminal whose life is governed by severe OCD and Tourette's syndrome, themes which are depicted with distressing intensity. The primary reasons…
Is there sex or nudity in Matchstick Men?
Sexual content is very light. There is a brief scene where men enter a club and scantily-clad pole dancers are visible in the background, though with no nudity. A man's bare buttocks are briefly seen through an open-backed hospital gown in one scene. A…
How violent is Matchstick Men?
Violence is mostly moderate, but features one strong sequence. A character mentions having given his ex-wife a black eye in the past. In the climax, a man is seen badly beaten with a bloody mouth, another man is held at gunpoint, and a girl shoots him in the…
Is the language in Matchstick Men appropriate for kids?
Language includes one use of the F-word. Beyond that, there are over 15 uses of "s--t," as well as milder terms like "asshole," "hell," and "son of a b--ch." Exclamatory uses of "God," "Jesus Christ," and "Godd--n" are also present throughout.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Matchstick Men?
Substance use is present but not a central focus. The main character smokes cigarettes frequently throughout the film. In one scene, his teenage 'daughter' Angela also smokes a cigarette. Characters are occasionally seen drinking alcohol in social settings…
What mature themes appear in Matchstick Men?
The film's primary thematic content involves mental illness and crime. The protagonist's severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, agoraphobia, and Tourette syndrome are depicted frequently and can be intense, with scenes of debilitating panic attacks and verbal…
How long is Matchstick Men?
Matchstick Men runs 116 minutes, directed by Ridley Scott, released in 2003.
Where can I read the full Matchstick Men parent guide?
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