Mud Reviews

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.

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

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.

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-

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.

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.

'Mud'. Slight pacing issues aside, there's a lot of heart and charm to this. McConaughey very good, Tye Sheridan a close second!

After a very sparse Cannes competition line-up, "Mud" stood out like a sore thumb. Wonderful performances by the kids, a compelling Matthew McConaughey, I gladly went along with Ellis and Neckbone on their Southern adventure.

Two 14-year-old Arkansan boys, Ellis (Sheridan) and Neckbone (Lofland), discover a mysterious stranger, who calls himself 'Mud' (McConaughey), hiding out on a small island on the Mississippi river. When he tells them he's waiting to be reunited with the love of his life, Juniper (Witherspoon), the boys scoff until they see the woman buying groceries in town. With his own parents on the verge of divorce and his first love having just rejected him, Ellis sets about reuniting the two lovers. He soon discovers there are those who aren't so keen; a group of thugs employed by the father of Juniper's abusive boyfriend who died at the hands of Mud.
There was a time when the U.S led the world in narrative film-making. Whatever other faults you might have bestowed on them, American film-makers were traditionally cinema's greatest story-tellers. This tradition was partly killed off in the late sixties by the "movie brat" generation who saw conventional narrative film-making as old hat. By the 21st century the tradition was practically dead, with European and Asian writers leading the way as far as story structure went. The odd contemporary American movie with a well written and engaging story, such as 'The Shawshank Redemption' would come to be treated as manna from heaven but, pre-sixties, America produced these type of films on a weekly basis. Jeff Nichols' third feature, following the over-rated but promising 'Shotgun Stories' and 'Take Shelter', is a return to this tradition, a piece of old school American storytelling at its best.
When we think of American culture, we're more often than not thinking of the South. Most of the country's greatest writers, artists and musicians have come from below the Mason-Dixon line but the area hasn't fared so well on celluloid. The South usually falls victim to a cornball representation, with dodgy Northern actors attempting wildly over-the-top accents. Last year we had two of the worst representations of the South, one mocking ('Django Unchained'), one patronizing ('Beasts of the Southern Wild'). Nichols is a child of the South and the Arkansas we see in his films is not the one we know from the silver screen, rather the one seen by everyday folks from the back of a pick-up truck. He does for the South what David Lynch did for the Pacific NorthWest, representing its rugged beauty alongside its underlying darkness. Indeed, the theme of first love set against the dangers of the adult world explicitly recalls Lynch's 'Blue Velvet'. The film's villains, all skinny ties and slicked back hair, are straight out of Lynchland, that enticing world where America seems stuck in the fifties.
If you had told me the best movie of 2013 would star McConaughey and Witherspoon I would have feared for the state of cinema. A whole generation has grown up without the knowledge that, back in the nineties, the pair were considered two of the brightest lights of American independent cinema. A decade-plus of dreadful (un)romantic-comedies has since soured our perception of them. Here they get the chance to remind us of their potential with career best performances from both. Speaking of potential, young Sheridan shows us that his impressive turn in 'The Tree of Life' wasn't just a once off. Himself and Lofland are fantastic together, a double act way beyond their years but still convincing as naive teens.
'Mud' is easily the best movie about childhood since 'Stand By Me', a stunning portrayal of the confusion of entering manhood in a post-masculine world. There's no sagely, wise-beyond-his-years, advice from Nichols' protagonist Ellis. He sees the errors adults are making but, already at his young age, he is making the same mistakes himself and his youthful ideals are crushed by three different failing relationships throughout the film. There's no annoying voice-over telling us the lessons Ellis is learning, indeed the film's climax suggests no matter how many times he feels love's hoof in his belly, he'll keep climbing back on the horse. Like 'To the Wonder', Nichols' film tells us love, or at least its unattainable ideal, is worth fighting for, even if we're never really sure why.

An incredible story that's beautifully shot with an all-around amazing cast. Matthew McConaughey plays Mud, a Southern fugitive on the run for a crime he committed in order to protect his girlfriend Juniper's (Reese Witherspoon) honor. He is aided by two local boys named Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland), both of whom are fine young actors, especially Sheridan. McConaughey plays his part very well: he looks like a neanderthal with his chipped teeth, often-open mouth, and scruffy face. The story takes it's time in getting you to know and care for the characters, and by the time the final act approached, I was deeply engaged in the film. It's a film about loving even when we have every reason not to, and it's done beautifully.

Though its name is Mud, Matthew McConaughey's extremely watchable and well-crafted latest proves anything but murky. It's a slow-burning drama, mind you, taking its dag gum time in building the suspense to a touching but divisive close. Starring kids but not always kid-friendly, this tale of a stubborn love that often results in violence trumpets the arrival of a master storyteller and demonstrates a star whose amazing run of A-List performances is more than just a hot streak--it's proof that he's here to stay.

In this PG-13-rated drama, two teenage boys (Sheriden, Jacob Lofland) encounter a fugitive (McConaughey) and form a pact to help him evade the bounty hunters on his trail and to reunite him with his true love (Reese Witherspoon). Sam Shepard and Michael Shannon also star.

After his head-turning film festival debut Take Shelter, Jeff Nichols gives filmgoers a Hard Knocks coming-of-age tale that boasts a tellingly harsh dose of reality. He definitely chose the right leading man in McConaughey, whose recent turns in The Lincoln Lawyer and Magic Mike amounted to way more than popcorn fluff. At times simple and at times complex, his superstitious tale-spinning title character holds the audience and child protagonists in the palm of his hands. This goes double for Nichols, who frames the ripples of nature as fascinatingly as he does the ripples of a human emotion. The indulgent ending will divide audiences, but it's the film's ability to chart the rough waters of entering adulthood - as choppy as the Mississippi River itself - that truly rewards.

Bottom line: A Time to Thrill.

Many people (especially in the South) will see this movie because of Matthew McConaughey, but the real story within the film is the acting from the boy who plays Ellis, Tye Sheridan. I will continue to preach that McConaughey is gold in roles outside of the common chick flick we're all accustomed to seeing him involved with. It goes back to Lincoln Lawyer, Bernie, Killer Joe, etc...

Mud is a movie about a love story that isn't really a love story. The relationship between Ellis and Mud overshadows the relationship of Mud and June, played by Reese Witherspoon. She easily acclimates to the role of distressed southern belle. Sam Shepard is the aloof neighbor on the river who pops his head in at the right times while Michael Shannon gets the briefest of roles as the Uncle to Nick. The kid playing him, Jacob Lofland, and Shannon offer up the comedy in this movie, and it's at the right times.

I thought the pacing was good, the acting was great, the story was solid, but for some reason I couldn't get over the teeth McConaughey wore! They were just a bit out of place for me on him. The symbolism was well done and common threads are easy to pick out as the film moves a long. If you're a fan of McConaughey, go see this...but don't be surprised that he won't be the only good actor you'll see.

A fulfilling cinematic mash up of Huck Finn and Winter's Bone, Mud is the best dramatic movie so far in 2013. Great narrative coupled with another strong mesmerizing performance by Matthew MacConaughey and great acting by the young boys Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland. Jeff Nichols won me over with his writing and directing in Take Shelter and convincingly does so again. (4-29-13)

Marking the career best performance of Matthew McConaughey, "Mud" is a slow burn, heavy hitting drama with themes of coming of age, family systems, and the reality of love. Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland deliver breakthrough performances as Ellis and Neckbone, both of whom stumble upon a hideaway named Mud (McConaughey) living in an abandoned boat in a tree. Director Jeff Nichols continues to display his gift for down home drama, creating an aura of mystery, unease, and emotional growth, all without slapping the viewer across the face with it. "Mud" also displays male father figures in a more realistic light than any drama before its time, with many exchanges of affection. Also, Nichols turns the stereotype of what most would consider rednecks completely around and shatters preconceptions when dealing with adults interacting with children. McConaughey displays a deep seeded understanding for his character and becomes him. His stern face and cold, Southern drawls steal you in and never let go, as you begin to anticipate the boys going to see him again, so you too can experience his mystery. Dramas don't get any better than this.

It's always a nice change of pace to watch a film with adult themes from the child's perspective. Director Jeff Nichols, recently of the emotionally stirring Take Shelter, returns with a bolder project that's just as moving and poignant in its external simplicity.

Mud is seen through the eyes of two young teens, Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland). The pair is young and precocious, and already has a knack for self-reliance. Their curiosity is piqued when they travel the rivers of the Mississippi delta to find a boat rumored to be stuck in the trees. They find the boat, but more surprisingly they discover someone's living in it. That someone is Mud (Matthew McConaughey), a man of mystery and charm, someone the boys (especially Ellis) are drawn to almost immediately.

Spouting tall tales and extolling advice he believes is sage, Mud befriends the boys, initially so they can find him food, but eventually to help him bring the boat back to life so he can reunite with his first and only true love, Juniper (Reese Witherspoon). It's a foolhardy task as the boys learn that Mud is wanted by both the police and some unsavory characters, many of which are more despicable than Mud.

Nichols' film sears emotion and taps into the male psyche, much like he did in Take Shelter. Michael Shannon played the lead in that feature (and is a welcome sight here, too), and he hands the reigns over to McConaughey, who is more than capable here. To date this may be the veteran actor's most accomplished role, and McConaughey may see some hardware come awards season.

Mud is very much a coming-age-film but it also deals with accepting unwanted change. This is evident in Mud's persistence in reuniting with the beautiful but troubled Juniper and in Ellis' reluctance to move away from the river into town due to his parents' pending separation. Because of Ellis' home troubles, his need for acceptance and guidance is sought out in Mud, a man who in many ways reflects the young teen.

It should be mentioned that young Tye Sheridan is excellent as Ellis. He displays a natural acting ability that was captured well here and previously in Tree of Life. The film's success hinges on Ellis and thanks to Sheridan he's able to evoke an impressive stability not seen in a young actor since possibly Stand By Me.

Women play a big part of the film's story arc but all the female actors largely go unused (a promising role for Witherspoon sadly doesn't go very deep). Nichols uses the film's patriarchal figures (Sam Shepard and Ray McKinnon) to warn Mud and Ellis about women - how they operate and how they should be avoided. This is very much an Old Testament reference complete with snakes, a creature prevalent throughout.

Overall, Mud is an excellent thriller full of layered human themes. If there is any flaw it could be in the conclusion since the violence there doesn't seem to fit with its preceding setup. Although all signs point to what eventually happened, it would've been nice to not see a typical Hollywood ending.

Better still, Mud is an accomplished feature and is arguably the best film so far in 2013. Direction, writing and acting are all strong, and it contains some impressive cinematography complemented by an outstanding score. JV

Jeff Nichols's Mud is a brilliant film and is one of the best films of the year 2013. Mud is a movie that has it all from a terrific director behind the camera to the amazing cast in front of the camera. Jeff Nichols's writes and directs this movie and he just does an incredible job doing it. One of the films strongest points is the story, Mud's story is just written and directed so well. The movie does multiple things like tell a terrific coming of age story while also telling a great mystery story. Another thing that makes this story great is that it's original, I don't remember the last time I watched a movie like this one. Nichol's does a great job at telling a story but he also does a magnificent job at directing his actors. The acting in this movie is just phenomenal, Matthew McConaughey is incredible as the title character "Mud" and gives one of the best performances of his career. This films also stars two kid actors who just knock it out of the park, those two kids are named Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland and I have faith that both these kids could become great actors in the future. The supporting cast is also strong which include Sam Shepard, Reese Witherspoon, and Michael Shannon. This movie also has some incredible camera work and it looks beautiful on screen. Mud is a fantastic movie but I do have some minor nitpicks with the story but that really didn't effect the film that much for me. Overall Mud is a wonderful film that I would recommend to just about anyone, both films buffs and average movie goers will enjoy this one!

Not quite what I expected, but a good story none the less. The child actors were amazing, and as usual Matthew McConaughey gives a great performance. Would have loved to see more of the back story and a bigger roll for Witherspoon.

an awesome story about a man, Mud, and two kids whom he befriends.......awesome plot and ending......long but it was worth the wait!

It's a slow burn, but the ending is well worth it. Stand-out performances by the boys help overshadow some odd editing decisions and the slow pacing in the first half. In the end, Mud is an inspired coming-of-age tale with something to say about family, relationships, and the world we live in.