Review of Mud (2013) by Jason T — 13 Jul 2014

Mud is a pretty good movie that features a wonderful performance from Matthew McConaughey as a man on the run for protecting the woman he has unrequited love for. Actually, unrequited love is a theme of this film as we discover the girl Ellis (Ty Sheridan) has a crush on leaves him out in the cold after their first date. Both characters learn how to move on use their experiences to propel them forward. That is actually the subplot of the movie. The main narrative thrust is whether Mud will be able to escape the posse organized by the father of the man he killed. Apparently during the last hurricane in the area a boat was swept up into the trees on an island. Mud want to repair the vessel and escape with his love, Juniper. (Reese Witherspoon, who isn't in the film as much as you would expect.) There is a very random action film style shootout at the end of the movie. It is well done but seems kind out out of place compared to the rest of the film. Maybe it's there to drum up some extra box office dollars?

The two teenage boys in the movie are really good, they are the best reason to see the film. Sam Shepard also shows up in an important role as a man with a mysterious past who was a mentor to Mud, but now wants the two boys to stay away from him.

As far as coming of age stories go, this one is probably one of the best you will find and it's message seems to be: watch out who you get involved with. Mud shows himself to be a worthy friend to the boys at the end of the story even if those involved with him are not as loyal. Score: 8.