After a ridiculous batch of dumb, cliche romantic comedies (Fool's Gold, How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days and the much forgotten but universally panned Surfer, Dude)...Matthew McConaughey is back on top proving himself to be a terrific actor yet again. Last year alone he had The Lincoln Lawyer, Magic Mike, Bernie, The Paperboy and who could forget the breathtaking Killer Joe? Now comes Mud which not only officially proves that McConaughey is going to have a long, great career but also introduces two teenagers who are most definitely going to be successful in their own right. Those boys are Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland who are simply phenomenal in the film.
In the film....Sheridan and Lofland play Ellis and Neckbone. They are two tough 14 year old kids who live in the south. One day they decide to go to an island and sneak onto a boat. Upon thinking it's all theirs...Ellis figures someone actually lives on the boat because of the fact that food is on the boat. Turns out Ellis is right and the man who lives on the boat is Mud (McConaughey.) When Mud meets the boys...he sees it as an opportunity for both of them to win. It's simple---the boys get him food and help him get back with his girlfriend, Juniper (Reese Witherspoon) and he gives the boys possessions that he himself owns.
I absolutely loved this film. I loved it because of the performances from not only Sheridan, Lofland, McConaughey and Witherspoon---which are all phenomenal but also because of some of the fantastic little performances. These include Ray McKinnon as Ellis's dad, Sam Shepard as Ellis's mysterious neighbor and Michael Shannon as Neckbone's tough, sleazy uncle. I loved the film because writer-director Jeff Nichols has made a film with such a cool, relaxing setting that you can't help but be sucked into its world. I loved the film because even at 130 minutes...it never felt too long. In fact...it felt like the perfect run time. I loved the film because all the characters are great and distinct in their own right. Ellis is an especially amazing character. He is a mature 14 year old with a tough exterior but he also has a sensitive side to him which is really refreshing to see. That being said---every character brings their own special quality to the film. I loved the film because it is emotional and touching and melancholy without ever being too syrupy. Finally...I loved the film because it is just a plain awesome film.
I can not in words describe my honest feelings for Mud. Between this film, At Any Price and Disconnect...it looks like I'm going to have a hard time picking my truly favorite film of 2013. The point I'm trying to make is see this film by any means necessary. It is truly fantastic.
(5 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated PG-13 for some violence, sexual references, language, thematic elements and smoking)
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