Mud - Movie Forum - Rotten Tomatoes

There was no need for Witherspoon in this movie.

Aug 15 - 08:42 AM

I thought this was a beautiful movie about love and disappointment. All of the acting was great except Witherspoon who couldn't pull her own weight at times, but everything was literally perfect. EVERYTHING. Name something wrong because I bet you, you can't.

Aug 21 - 08:15 PM

James McKinnon

I thought she was fine, and a little better than the boys (who were plenty good for child actors, but still a little cue-cardy at times).

Aug 23 - 03:08 AM

tom, you are just out to lunch.But I'm glad I rented it and didn't pay to see this in a theater.
Once again, both the audience and critics are so desperate for a story...........they overdid it with their criticism.
I felt the kids were pretty good and you will be hearing more on Tye.

In no way should this bring in high numbers or was everybody so disappointed in this summer's BIG FLOPS that they just had to let loose of their frustrations and give this flick high marks? Out of DESPERATION?
I can't say anything bad about Mathew's acting either.
The story just didn't have what it takes to put it over the top to justify the critic's & audience's voting.
It's a fact that one can't go with Rotten's critics or audience reviews.

Aug 15 - 08:39 AM

In Your Dreams

Sorry, but critics and audiences have spoken, and... You're wrong.

Aug 25 - 12:05 AM

Fidel Aliouchkin

I actually agree with him, this movie was just boring to watch, my wife almost fell asleep and usually she loves this kinda of movies

Oct 6 - 07:54 AM

anders peter

oh fuck you tom

Aug 9 - 02:23 PM

Oliver Davidson

Tom: have you seen Movie 43? Bucky Larson? Pretty much any movie written by Adam Sandler? "Torture to watch?" Not even close. What a gross and unjustifiable exaggeration. This is a very good film, and it is not ruined by the fact that the two young actors aren't the second and third coming of Brando. It is not unoriginal as you claim. Just because it's a "coming of age" movie with two young boys, it doesn't mean that it's the same old, tired story. Lastly, if you're choosing what films you watch by going off of Netflix or Redbox user reviews and ratings, then you must think that The Fast and The Furious series is the greatest collection of films ever made. Those ratings are a joke, and this is one of the main reasons why people come to RT to see what professional and good amateur critics have to say.

Aug 7 - 11:51 AM

Rod Deward

This plays like a bad "movie of the week". It's a screenplay by the numbers, with predictable plot points. The kid? I was expecting him to take a shot of whiskey every other scene. What is the point of a teenage Clint Eastwood impervious to pain? It didn't grab me at all..not even the exotic setting felt real.

Jul 28 - 08:56 PM

Rita Di Ghent

I'm easy to please and entertain, but after seeing Mud, I was surprised by the positive reviews. The kids were good, but there was neither gripping acting nor plot. The cinematography didn't draw me in and there wasn't even a good sound track. It was an endurance.

Jul 16 - 02:25 AM

Luke Prados

best movie of the year

Jul 3 - 11:27 PM

Then you are not hard to please.

Aug 15 - 08:41 AM

Justin Daugherty

Better than being cynically hard to entertain.

Aug 17 - 08:16 PM

Moose Man

To quote Bugs Bunny. "And remember, Mud spelled backwards is Dum."

Jun 19 - 01:05 AM

June Chase Hankins

Was anyone else bothered by the gigantic holes in the plot? (Why didn't the bad guys just follow the boys to Mud's hiding place? How did that stupid shirt stay clean? Why does Ellis's father always look as smelly and dirty as Mud?) The young actors did a superb job, though, and I loved Sam Shepherd's sniper.

Jun 15 - 07:05 PM

Eric Papandrea

I think embarrassingly corny is a perfect phrase for this movie. I laughed out loud when he grabbed his magic shirt before jumping in the snake pit. This movie was mud spelled backwards as mud would probably spell it. I'm not saying it was awful but 99%? Please.

Jun 15 - 03:01 AM

He put his shirt on so he wouldn't die from a snake bite. He said it was his protection if you didn't hear him. You were probably too busy staring at his chest than paying attention to the movie.

Aug 21 - 08:18 PM

Alan Strand

I understand your pain. No car chases. No nookie. And shots that last for at least ten seconds. Agony!

Jun 10 - 02:40 PM

Terrence N Jennifer Jonquet

The ASL was PERFECT for this movie. I think that Adam Stone, the cinematographer, did a beautiful job incorporating his ideas for scenes onto a film. I think the settings were gorgeous and directors used real kids that could already ride dirtbikes and motorboats so that they wouldn't have to be trained on stage. And sorry for no "nookie." Sorry Jeff Nichols wanted this to be a family oriented film with an edge to it to appeal to adults. Come on, get realistic.

Aug 21 - 08:22 PM

wait for dvd...not that great...it was okay ...but left the end open for?? hmm?? suspense but no action??? id say a 60 percent not a 99 percent

Jun 9 - 07:47 PM

John Krom

I would not ordinarily go out of my way to pan a movie. But for this one I do mainly because I was disappointed that Rotten T. gave it such a high rating that I paid some $13 for me and wife to see it. Movie is slow-moving and verges on boring. I give some credit that one does not know where the plot is going, in that sense it is not formulaic. But where it does eventually go is just not that exciting.

Jun 7 - 04:59 PM

Austin Trentham

Awesome movie, the kid is fantastic.

Jun 3 - 09:37 AM

I thought I had found a winner FINALLY on RT with both critics and audience agreeing. Checked out the trailer; didn't look like anything special. Then come here and see all the negative comments. I'll give it a shot and see who even came close. Again, trailer didn't knock my socks off and that's usually an indication of what to expect

Jun 1 - 11:43 AM

And I was so right! I thought the kids and Mathew's acting was quite good but it didn't shine because of the lack of storyline. Yes, a story line was there but it was a pretty pathetic story. It could have been better.
Rotten has a desperate 'audience' and a majority of critics are nothing but amateurs for rags I never heard of. I don't believe a critic has better judgement than myself. It either makes it or is just a dud. I don't call this a 'dud' but it sure doesn't measure up to the % numbers!

Aug 15 - 08:49 AM

Jamie Pinson

I agree, main guy was good but the kid was a horrible actor. I mean, if I ever hear him say the word "Boonta Eve" again I'd stab myself in the eye with a spoon until I reached my brain. He didn't even look like Anakin Skywalker.....We are talking about Star Wars Episode 1 right? Because if not then this post is as bad as such memorable lines from Anakin as: "Yippie!", "I'll try spinning, that's a good trick"
and whatever the hell he said that ended with "Boonta Eve".

Just my 2 cents.

May 30 - 07:17 PM

And 2 cents is all it's worth.

May 31 - 03:15 PM

Nice.

Aug 21 - 08:23 PM

Tony England

Whoever said this movie was bad,(this includes you tom harrison) your ignorance makes me laugh lol. What a GREAT,heart warming and just good ole film!! It had me relive my childhood and relate with love from a man's/boy's prespective so, my friends out there (the very few of you) that didn't like this movie that is absolutley ridiclous you'r either just mad because 99 percent of the people and critics liked it and your trying to be the "cool guy" by saying you didn't like it. or your trying to compare this to huckleberry finn but let me remind you its not trying to be hucckle berry finn. its trying to be mud: A modern day version of hmm...NOTHING!! Very original movie so stop comparing it to anything because there's NOTHING like it. but i bet your gonna buy mud on bluray because deep inside you know it was amazing.You are just miserable inside and you feel the need to talk bad about something almost everyone enjoyed. I feel sorry for you people because you missed the whole point of this film watch it again it was a GREAT ONE!

May 27 - 05:43 PM

Chuck McCown

I agree, it was pretty much a "waste of time". Certainly not a modern day huck finn. B grade made-for-tv drama. Yawn... I saw this instead of the Sapphires. Was the wrong choice. (Saw Sapphires the next week).

May 24 - 08:44 AM

"A waste of time" coming from a knuckledragger who's "a waste of life". It all works out to be a double negative - like your IQ.

May 31 - 03:17 PM

zinc alloy

so far the best film of the year...you sound like you're describing Iron Man 3......

May 23 - 10:48 PM

Tony England

ditto

May 27 - 05:45 PM

Nah, it's the truth XD

Jul 19 - 02:08 AM

Bob Picture

One of the better films I've seen this year. Great script, terrific direction and SUPERB performances across the board... What a cast!! Both of the boys were very good, but Tye Sheridan, as Ellis was flawless! When an actor can register a range of emotions with just his eyes he is headed for greatness! Film ran a bit too long, but very highly recommended!

May 21 - 09:29 PM

Madeline Ferraro

I agree , way to simplistic.

May 19 - 07:12 PM

Mike Burgess

Perhaps you should use proper grammar if you're going to criticize a movie as being simplistic.....

May 22 - 07:36 PM

Like your mind Madeline.

May 31 - 03:17 PM

noodlez zeldoon

YO TOM IF YOU WANT BOILERPLATE ACTING BY TWO DUDES THAT ARE IN ESSENCE STILL TWO TEENAGERS GO WATCH GATSBY. MUD'S STORY WAS PREDICTABLY UNPREDICTABLE LIKE THE TOWN/RIVER THESE FOLKS LIVED IN AND ON.

NECKBONE'S UNDERUSE OF THE WORD SHIT AND BULLSHIT PROVIDES LEVITY TO THE EXPERIENCE OF JUST WATCHING A PLAIN OL' MOVIE OF LIFE IN REDNECKYVILLE. MUD GOT THAT WINTERS BONE FEEL TO IT AND WE NEED THAT EVERY NOW AND THEN IN THIS FANTASY WORLD THAT FILMS HAVE EVOLVED INTO.

SOLID FILM.
MUST SEE.
MCCONAUGHEY BORDERLINE OSCAR NOD OR UPGRADE OF ACTING PROWESS.

May 15 - 08:27 AM

Tony England

"like"

May 27 - 05:45 PM

Ailidh Patteson

I loved the film and all the performances - even in small roles like Witherspoon, Shepard and Shannon - passionate work. Very Southern gothic - more Flannery O'Connor than Mark Twain for me. I loved "Take Shelter" and while this film isn't as innovative as that one, it still is a showcase for Nichols' refusal to bend to convention, to the trite chlch�s of most Hollywood flicks. I hadn't seen any of Matthew McConnaughey's recent movies, with the exception of Lincoln Lawyer. I've now caught up with Bernie and Magic Mike. Killer Joe still to go. How did he go from being a run-of-the-mill, too-handsome leading man in crappy movies to become one of the most daring actors out there. Bravo, great work.

May 13 - 04:05 PM

Migs Rodriguez

boy there are some moronic comments in here.....

back to the thread....your opinion
mines...good flick, and I went to watch this at an indie movie theater in Bmore, which was pretty cool.

May 13 - 11:02 AM

Melissa Colombo

just stirring the pot for someone with whom he can interact......

May 12 - 05:45 PM

Richard McWilliams

tye sheridan moved the audience to tears in the theater, astounding performance

May 11 - 06:56 PM

Richard McWilliams

nonsense

May 11 - 06:54 PM

Brian Raben

This is about the most dishonest review I have seen yet..This was an excellent movie and the script was great and was not predictable

May 11 - 12:48 PM

The two youngsters who are in your face most of the film simply could not act. Could be directors fault or they were just self conscious, ie. Drew Barrymore, to be believed. A Veteran of the movies gave good advice to a newcomer..."just don't let them catch you acting, kid."
Obviously RT reviewers and MM fans are easily pleased. No biggie.That's all.

Apr 29 - 02:35 PM

You must have seen a different film Tommy. They were great and will get some nominations.

May 31 - 03:19 PM

Tye Sheridan tearing up when a girl he thought accepted him for who he was is bad acting? The kid was trying not to break, you don't know what acting is do you.

Jul 19 - 02:10 AM

And this isn't a Johnny Depp film either, only people giving honest performances. Although I found the villain a bit predictable, but he was just a part of this story. The real story is the perspective that Mud and the kids have of the world and forming a relationship. Love does not conquer all is the message of this film.

Jul 19 - 02:18 AM

Bill Tretbar

Tom. my God, there is no accounting for taste but what movie did you watch?

Apr 29 - 07:34 AM

zinc alloy

Wonderful film..... critics are spot on......an agenda here from Mr. Harrison

Apr 28 - 09:21 PM

River Phoenix was great in that film as were all his co-stars which made us all care about them and their dilemma. The great films are great to the extent of the chemistry between the main characters. There are to many to list. Think Big Lebowski, Lonesome Dove and Keaton, Nicholson and Beatty in reds.. ?Acting is all about honesty. If you can fake that, you've got it made." George Burns.

Apr 28 - 05:09 PM

And that is exactly what I saw in this film too, only the kids in this film were not potty mouths XD And the kids in Stand By Me were top notch too, RIP River.

Jul 19 - 02:12 AM

A character has to be emotionally connected and have a believable performance to make it real as possible, Tye Sheridan played a jaded kid who thought he could make a difference in his life by getting Mud and Juniper together, that did not work out because it doesn't always work that way, and that is where he gets very upset and is actually "acting" Maybe when he's an adult he can be the next Lebowski You are comparing a newcomer child actor to legendary ones, tisk tisk -_-

Jul 19 - 02:23 AM

On the contrary, the main kid actor was pretty good, who would you compare him to anyway? River Phoenix in Stand by Me? XD Life of Pi was just as phenomenal if not better than this film, but the kid who played Pi WAS pretty bad XD

Apr 28 - 04:12 PM

Mike Kowzun

Nice quote-mining. You should run political ads.

Apr 28 - 10:15 AM

Good point about him being an idiot with child-like view of the world, but aren't we sick of those types...Hollywood and all?

Apr 28 - 10:04 AM

Just about every time I believe a positive consensus from the dumbed down public or the Liberal elite I am disapointed. Yes, Mud had a decent story and scenery but what of if two of the MAIN characters cannot act. Doesn't that take away from the chemistry, believability, enjoyment? MM being considered for an award for just looking and acting cool? That is his shtick every time. Whats so grand about this one? Just saying.

Apr 28 - 09:31 AM

Mike Kowzun

"Liberal elite"

Seriously?

And no, it doesn't take away from the chemistry since the two leads could act. They were kids and they both looked and acted the part incredibly naturally.

And you seriously need to rewatch this movie if you think all Matthew McConaughey did was look and act cool. The character of Mud is cool on the surface, but he's also an idiot with a child-like view of the world not too much different than the boys'. McConaughey portrays this dichotomy effortlessly.

Apr 28 - 09:54 AM

William Wills

Why why why? Why most every post about any topic start slamming liberals or conservatives. For the love of God! Has America gotten so politicized that we can't discuss opinions without slamming a group of people?

Putting others down does NOT make you better. You are judged on your own recognizance.

And worse yet, that one little comment takes away all credibility from your comment/opinion. Congrats!

May 12 - 06:27 PM

Thing is, the very country I live in, America, never was perfect. Nothing in this world is perfect, we are only as good as the world allows us to be, sorry if I stole that from The Joker in TDK, but that is actually the truth.

Jul 19 - 02:15 AM

Oh, I understand now. You're a profoundly retarded Faux News bred conservative. Not even worth replying to anymore. Thanks for clarifying Tommie.

May 31 - 03:21 PM

Alberto Martin

John, you hit that nail squarely on the head.

Jun 2 - 04:31 PM

Kyle Conover

Lol. No.

Apr 28 - 09:19 AM

Chris Bode

You sir are either a troll or a person who has a very unique opinion on what is good acting or not. Both RT critics and audience seem to disagree with you.

Apr 28 - 02:05 AM