Mud Reviews
cosmo313
Super Reviewer
May 12, 2013
Set in a small southeastern Arkansas town along the Mississippi River, this is a coming-of-age tale of young teenager Ellis and his buddy Neckbone.
One day Ellis and Neckbone come across a mysterious drifter named Mud who is hiding out on an island in the middle of the Mississippi.
Initially unsure of what to make of him, the boys eventually befriend Mud, and decide to help him out of a sticky situation. Turns out Mud is a wanted fugitive on the run. He's trying to reunite with his childhood love Juniper and evade the vengeful family of a man he killed. Mud killed a guy who impregnated Juniper, then abused her, causing her to lose the baby. Along the way, the boys learn valuable life lessons, both heartfelt, and heartbreaking.
I enjoyed this. And, having spent time in Arkansas (and living most of my life in one of its neighboring states), I can verify that this is a realistic and accurate portrait of life in that particular state. This is a compelling and beautiful drama that also feels rather poetic and lyrical at times.
I do think that the film is far stronger in the first half, and not as interesting when it gets into thriller territory during the second portion, but think that overall it is still a worthwhile film. And having a shootout at least delivers some excitement to help push the lengthy proceedings along, even if, as I said, the coming-of-age stuff is better.
Matthew McConaughey is typically strong and charming as Mud, Reese Withersppon is solidly world-weary as Juniper, and there's also appearances from Joe Don Baker, Sam Shepard, and Michael Shannon who are terrific supporters, but the real treats here are young newcomers Tye Sheridan as Ellis and Jacob Lofland as Neckbone. Child actors are generally hit and miss, but these two are great. They radiate naturalism, and are perfectly cast in their parts, giving some rich and realistic performances.
All in all, this is a quite strong film. It gets a bit bogged down as it goes on, but ultimately adds up to a fine, gorgeous, and compelling slice of Americana.
Inspired by the works of Mark Twain (especially Tom Sawyer), as well as his upbringing in Arkansas, this is writer/director Jeff Nichols's take on the adventurous folk tale, done in a contemporary setting.
Set in a small southeastern Arkansas town along the Mississippi River, this is a coming-of-age tale of young teenager Ellis and his buddy Neckbone.
One day Ellis and Neckbone come across a mysterious drifter named Mud who is hiding out on an island in the middle of the Mississippi.
Initially unsure of what to make of him, the boys eventually befriend Mud, and decide to help him out of a sticky situation. Turns out Mud is a wanted fugitive on the run. He's trying to reunite with his childhood love Juniper and evade the vengeful family of a man he killed. Mud killed a guy who impregnated Juniper, then abused her, causing her to lose the baby. Along the way, the boys learn valuable life lessons, both heartfelt, and heartbreaking.
I enjoyed this. And, having spent time in Arkansas (and living most of my life in one of its neighboring states), I can verify that this is a realistic and accurate portrait of life in that particular state. This is a compelling and beautiful drama that also feels rather poetic and lyrical at times.
I do think that the film is far stronger in the first half, and not as interesting when it gets into thriller territory during the second portion, but think that overall it is still a worthwhile film. And having a shootout at least delivers some excitement to help push the lengthy proceedings along, even if, as I said, the coming-of-age stuff is better.
Matthew McConaughey is typically strong and charming as Mud, Reese Withersppon is solidly world-weary as Juniper, and there's also appearances from Joe Don Baker, Sam Shepard, and Michael Shannon who are terrific supporters, but the real treats here are young newcomers Tye Sheridan as Ellis and Jacob Lofland as Neckbone. Child actors are generally hit and miss, but these two are great. They radiate naturalism, and are perfectly cast in their parts, giving some rich and realistic performances.
All in all, this is a quite strong film. It gets a bit bogged down as it goes on, but ultimately adds up to a fine, gorgeous, and compelling slice of Americana.
Nicki M
Super Reviewer
August 4, 2013
Extremely slow paced, I hate to admit I fell asleep at one point (this was extreme fatigue and not that the movie was that bad!).
At first I found it dull, but it does grow on you as it goes along and I enjoyed the small town setting and the other little plots such as the teen boy's girlfriend and the break up of his parents. It's an extremely well made movie once you go along with it. Definitely not a feel good and won't be for everyone. I'm surprised that my opinion changed so drastically by the middle. I was really ready to switch this off after ten minutes, but I wanted to wait and see Reese, and she took so long to appear the darn thing grew on me.
Kind of a hard one to review. If you got this one because you like Reese Witherspoon's chick flicks, as I kind of did, you're probably in for a disappointment. Not least of all because Reese is barely in it, though she is good when she is. This is really Matthew McConaughey and the two young teen boys's movie.
Extremely slow paced, I hate to admit I fell asleep at one point (this was extreme fatigue and not that the movie was that bad!).
At first I found it dull, but it does grow on you as it goes along and I enjoyed the small town setting and the other little plots such as the teen boy's girlfriend and the break up of his parents. It's an extremely well made movie once you go along with it. Definitely not a feel good and won't be for everyone. I'm surprised that my opinion changed so drastically by the middle. I was really ready to switch this off after ten minutes, but I wanted to wait and see Reese, and she took so long to appear the darn thing grew on me.
Dan S
Super Reviewer
September 4, 2013
A fascinating, hypnotizing story about a mysterious homeless man (Matthew McConaughey) who lives on a small island in the middle of the Mississippi River and how he befriends two boys (Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland) and eventually talks them into helping him try to track down a former lover (Reese Witherspoon) who lives in town. This modern-day Huckleberry Finn tale is one full of fantastic cinematography, outstanding acting (McConaughey notably, but Sheridan and Lofland give incredible turns as well), realistic, well conceived turns in the plot, and a satisfying, optimistic conclusion. This movie has it all, and it is a near-masterpiece that deserves to be seen. Director Jeff Nichols ("Take Shelter") has hit yet another monster home run of a film concerning youth, love, betrayal, and the pains of growing up. McConaughey appears to be officially back to making great films and giving tremendous performances like he used to, and Nichols has firmly established himself as a director to be excited about for the future.
Dr114
Super Reviewer
August 15, 2013
A masterfully put together film that proves that Matthew McConaughey can be amazing in his roles. Who knew. Definitely a contender for a couple Academy Awards.
Kevin C
Super Reviewer
July 27, 2013
It's not a THE LONG GOODBYE to Huckleberry Finn and the numerous themes (young love, childlike curiosity, a rapidly declining southern zeitgeist, fatherhood, loyalty, etc., etc. etc.) mixed together make for a really odd medley of messages to walk out with, but Nichols' enthralling third effort only further cements his position as one of the most exciting and trustworthy American filmmakers working today. Plus, if you have a great cut-to-credits, you have my heart.
TheDudeLebowski65
Super Reviewer
July 24, 2013
Mud is an impressive picture that belongs among the finest films of 2013. This is a film that proves that Matthew McConaughey can actually act and he can really apply himself in his performances when he's not doing rom-coms. With a great story, and an effective cast, director Jeff Nichols crafts something truly special and worthy entertainment. I found this film to be a compelling drama and along with The Place Beyond the Pines is one of the most accomplished films this year. I really enjoyed the film and though it was a near perfect drama that will certainly appeal to viewers looking for a film with a simple, yet engaging storyline. This is a work from a director that can truly craft something unique to the screen, and I am very much looking forward to Nichols' next project. The characters are richly detailed and well thought out and brought to life by a talented cast. Everyone brings something to the screen, and it is quite the worthwhile viewing experience. If you want one of the finest films of the year, seek out Mud and you won't be disappointed. If you want a well crafted movie, then this is the film that you should watch. Mud is an engaging drama from start to finish and it is slow, but the payoff is worth it. This is a terrific drama film that is one of the finest in a long time. With a film like this, you can only imagine that Jeff Nichols will definitely make more wonderful cinematic achievements that will delight cinema buffs looking for a stunning, engaging work.
Everett J
Super Reviewer
July 24, 2013
These last couple years Mathew McConaughey has been on a hellava roll with his roles. He seems to be getting better and better, and "Mud" follows that trend. This is a kind of hybrid of coming of age/adventure/love story. It's about 2 boys, Ellis(Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone(Jacob Lofland) who find a boat in a tree on an island. They think it's abandoned, but soon find out a man named Mud(McConaughey) is living there. Mud is on the hideout from bounty hunters who are after him after a he murdered a man in Texas. He's there awaiting his love Juniper(Reese Witherspoon) to join him so they can escape together. From there the boys help him out while dealing with family problems, girls, and the bounty hunters looking for Mud. McConaughey is fantastic, but the 2 boys really shine. Especially Ellis, he has one scene were if he had cried, I probably would have two. You get really invested with him. Witherspoon does good, but I felt she was the weakest part of the movie. She needed to be in it more, and felt like it didn't tell enough about her. I read somewhere that this reminded people of "Stand by Me", and I can kind of see that. It has the same boys in the woods on an adventure type vibe to it. But it's a more complicated story, that leaves some things unresolved. It's a little over 2 hours long and when I watch a movie late at night like I did this(I started at 10 p.m) I usually pass out. But I was riveted the entire time(ended up staying up way too late on a work night). It does drag in a few spots, but overall it's a fantastic story that is very well told. Jeff Nichols("Take Shelter") has made another great film that really makes me curious as to what he is going to make next. If you want a neat little movie that will entertain you for a couple hours and isn't as predictable as you would think, then definitely check this out. Not very many movies made like this anymore
***1/2
These last couple years Mathew McConaughey has been on a hellava roll with his roles. He seems to be getting better and better, and "Mud" follows that trend. This is a kind of hybrid of coming of age/adventure/love story. It's about 2 boys, Ellis(Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone(Jacob Lofland) who find a boat in a tree on an island. They think it's abandoned, but soon find out a man named Mud(McConaughey) is living there. Mud is on the hideout from bounty hunters who are after him after a he murdered a man in Texas. He's there awaiting his love Juniper(Reese Witherspoon) to join him so they can escape together. From there the boys help him out while dealing with family problems, girls, and the bounty hunters looking for Mud. McConaughey is fantastic, but the 2 boys really shine. Especially Ellis, he has one scene were if he had cried, I probably would have two. You get really invested with him. Witherspoon does good, but I felt she was the weakest part of the movie. She needed to be in it more, and felt like it didn't tell enough about her. I read somewhere that this reminded people of "Stand by Me", and I can kind of see that. It has the same boys in the woods on an adventure type vibe to it. But it's a more complicated story, that leaves some things unresolved. It's a little over 2 hours long and when I watch a movie late at night like I did this(I started at 10 p.m) I usually pass out. But I was riveted the entire time(ended up staying up way too late on a work night). It does drag in a few spots, but overall it's a fantastic story that is very well told. Jeff Nichols("Take Shelter") has made another great film that really makes me curious as to what he is going to make next. If you want a neat little movie that will entertain you for a couple hours and isn't as predictable as you would think, then definitely check this out. Not very many movies made like this anymore
KJ P
Super Reviewer
July 14, 2013
This movie is just as much of an unconventional romance picture as it is a story of two curious boys, venturing off to a island to discover a boat that someone has been living in, in the trees, clearly after a tsunami or a natural disaster. They find Mud (Matthew McConaughey), who tells them stories and gives them specific beliefs on life, and by the end of the film, you really have gone through a cycle and you have no idea which character to root for, and even thinking how bad the character of Mud truly is, he is the oat sensitive character in the film. McConaughey gives the performance of his career, hands down, and I would almost go as far as to say he deserves an Oscar for his breathtaking performance. The two kids played by Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland truly embody their characters and I need to see more work done with them in it, because they truly made this film marvellous. Everyone has deep character backgrounds and the pace of the film is just right. The film may be a little longer than it needs to be, but with a brilliant screenplay, fantastic acting, superb direction, and beautiful cinematography, "Mud" is one of my favourite films of 2013. It's near perfect!
Sam B
Super Reviewer
May 22, 2013
"Mud" is astonishingly genuine, a film that leaks childhood nostalgia, the promise of adventure, and important truths about the realities of love and trust. From the mostly incredible cast to Jeff Nichols' ability to make this backwater town not just beautiful but so fully alive, "Mud" is a brilliant drama.
Sanjay R
Super Reviewer
May 30, 2013
This film is part love story and part adventure. The entire cast does a great job, particularly McConaughey. It is slow at times, but the story is original and keeps your attention. It is a very understated, but very good movie.
Bathsheba Monk
Super Reviewer
May 13, 2013
This is easily the best movie this year. Well, The Place Beyond the PInes was pretty good, too. An embarrassment of riches. The acting and editing and directing were so good it was easy to overlook the fact that the story was about a young man's (Tye Sheridan) coming to grips with whether or not it is possible for real love to exist in this world. I loved the small hand gestures--thinking Jacob Lofland's character, Neckbone, index finger sweep hello, Witherspoon's slightly raised hand in a wordless goodbye to her impossible love. Sam Shepard can do no wrong, of course, but my favorite character was Michael Shannon as Neckbone's uncle. The directing and editing was spot on. I liked the way the environment was mean but the characters never sunk into violence. So much good stuff. Go see it.
366weirdmovies
Super Reviewer
May 8, 2013
A 14-year old boy, the son of a commercial fisherman working the Mississippi River, helps a fugitive he finds hiding out on a remote island. Accomplished storytelling that weaves in multiple subplots and minor characters, blending drama, romance and adventure, with a coming-of-age message that's neither too bitter nor too sweet. Easy to recommend.
Markus Emilio Robinson
Super Reviewer
May 7, 2013
There is a ton of sub-textual "stuff" going on here, dealing with boats as a metaphor for a man's self worth and multiple parallels concerning father and son relationships. And though sub-textual "stuff" is essentially what allows for the best films, due to Nichols' script, "Mud" comes off as more ambiguously underdeveloped than anything. And thus, its own emotional themes concerning coming of age and father and son relationships become muddled, getting lost in the lack of an intriguing story which becomes sadly less and less powerful as it progresses. And therein lies the problem with "Mud". Its foundation was constructed by a writer/director who has a nasty habit of being far too cryptic of a filmmaker for his own good.
That said, Nichols does display a slathering of beautifully constructed visuals and a few inspired lines of dialogue (mostly muttered by the profoundly underutilized Michael Shannon). And there are definitely bits and pieces of this movie, in conjunction with standout performances from both McConaughey and Tye Sheridan, who played the main child protagonist here (and reminded me of River Phoenix in "Stand by Me") that will have audiences sitting forward and taking notice.
Side Note: Reese Witherspoon is also in this movie, but doesn't really do much of anything. So, she's really not worth talking about.
Final Thought: If there is one positive thing I could say about Nichols as an up and coming writer/director, it would be that he does tend to bring out stellar performances from his stable of actors. And "Mud" is the type of film which moves forward on the backs of performances, not necessarily on plot. So, despite the predictable narrative, there is enough good here (especially in the final act) to slightly recommend this film. In fact, I think I would be hard pressed to find anybody who could outright hate "Mud". But I am still shocked at the hordes of critics who tout this as a "must see" or even award worthy.
Written by Markus Robinson, Edited by Nicole I. Ashland
Follow me on Twitter @moviesmarkus
Although better than "Take Shelter", "Mud" is still not as good, as deep or as entertaining as writer/director Jeff Nichols thinks that it is. Starring Matthew McConaughey in supposedly the best performance to come out of the McCona-sance, Nichols' slightly misogynistic plot tells the story of two boys who decide to explore an island on the Mississippi River, after one claims to have discovered a mysterious boat suspended in the trees. Once on the island they run into a man who goes by the name of Mud; a filthy, starving and very mysterious fugitive, who seems to be living on the boat. Mud elicits the boys help, in exchange for the aforementioned boat. Now, while that sounds like an interesting story, after a while the true themes of "Mud" emerge, when the film begins to play out more so as a multi-generational tale of men who fall in love with women, who prove to be their downfall.
There is a ton of sub-textual "stuff" going on here, dealing with boats as a metaphor for a man's self worth and multiple parallels concerning father and son relationships. And though sub-textual "stuff" is essentially what allows for the best films, due to Nichols' script, "Mud" comes off as more ambiguously underdeveloped than anything. And thus, its own emotional themes concerning coming of age and father and son relationships become muddled, getting lost in the lack of an intriguing story which becomes sadly less and less powerful as it progresses. And therein lies the problem with "Mud". Its foundation was constructed by a writer/director who has a nasty habit of being far too cryptic of a filmmaker for his own good.
That said, Nichols does display a slathering of beautifully constructed visuals and a few inspired lines of dialogue (mostly muttered by the profoundly underutilized Michael Shannon). And there are definitely bits and pieces of this movie, in conjunction with standout performances from both McConaughey and Tye Sheridan, who played the main child protagonist here (and reminded me of River Phoenix in "Stand by Me") that will have audiences sitting forward and taking notice.
Side Note: Reese Witherspoon is also in this movie, but doesn't really do much of anything. So, she's really not worth talking about.
Final Thought: If there is one positive thing I could say about Nichols as an up and coming writer/director, it would be that he does tend to bring out stellar performances from his stable of actors. And "Mud" is the type of film which moves forward on the backs of performances, not necessarily on plot. So, despite the predictable narrative, there is enough good here (especially in the final act) to slightly recommend this film. In fact, I think I would be hard pressed to find anybody who could outright hate "Mud". But I am still shocked at the hordes of critics who tout this as a "must see" or even award worthy.
Written by Markus Robinson, Edited by Nicole I. Ashland
Follow me on Twitter @moviesmarkus
Julie B
Super Reviewer
May 6, 2013
McConaughey can act! That was Sam Shepard! And that guy from Sons of Anarchy! And the kids were really good! Duly impressed, even if it was distracting how much that one kid looked like River Phoenix circa Stand By Me. And Neckbone is a cool name.
boxman
Super Reviewer
May 1, 2013
Nate's Grade: A-
If you aren't familiar with writer/director Jeff Nichols, do yourself a favor and get acquainted and fast, because this guy is headed for indie stardom. Nichols' last movie, the somber and unbearably tense thriller Take Shelter was my top film of 2011. Mud, in contrast, is a harder sell, something akin to a modern-day Mark Twain fable about romantic outsiders, fugitives, friendship, and boys coming of age. Matthew McConaughey plays the titular character, a wanted man hiding out on a small island along the Mississippi River. He befriends two teens that help him rebuild a boat so that Mud can escape with his lady and evade a team of dangerous bounty hunters seeking vengeance. Nichols is truly gifted at his ability to craft wholly believable characters regardless of circumstance. There is a great sense of setting here, without nary a judgment to the lower class moorings and difficulties, just as Nichols expertly showcased rural Midwestern life and day-to-day anxieties in Take Shelter. His new film is admittedly slow and takes a while to rev up, but the performances are just so good and richly delivered, from top to bottom, that you're happy to go along with the somewhat loping ride. It's such a pleasure to witness McConaughey fully engaged with a role, pushing him to utilize new and exciting acting muscles. Nichols also doesn't soft-pedal the hardships of his characters. While it's poignant and satisfying how the various plot threads come together for a thrilling conclusion, Mud also has the grace to leave several storylines absent tidy bows. There's real heartbreak, real disappointment, and recognizable people of all walks trying to do good and find their place in this complicated world. If Mud is playing near you, it should shoot to the top of your must-see list.
Nate's Grade: A-
Kase V
Super Reviewer
April 28, 2013
The slow pace may be too much for some, but 'Mud' is a rewarding experience with an agreeable ending and with a poignant meaning. All the actors did a solid job in their roles and the film is well shot, but the clash between a boy struggling with harsh realities and the suspense of a man hiding from bad people is the central focus to this solid film.
sanjurosamurai
Super Reviewer
April 27, 2013
it took way too long for 2013 to give us our first truly great film, but "Mud" is where we finally found a film to believe in. the actors were astoundingly good, the script well imagined with inspired dialogue, the atmosphere created by locations and camera work was worth the price of admission alone. there were a few things in the final act that were a bit too heavy handed for my taste, but this is a film i know i will revisit many times.
