Review of Mud (2013) by Grant S — 18 May 2014
Intriguing, moving coming-of-age film. Sort of Stand By Me meets Beasts of the Southern Wild.
Interesting plot, which starts as a mystery, progresses to a love story and then action movie, and ends with some lessons on life and love, and growing up. Not perfect: has some moments which feel contrived and a few minor plot holes.
Quite emotional too. The doomed romance between Mud and Juniper and the lessons Ellis learns about love and life are quite poignant.
Yet, despite this there is hope. Mud's failures are lessons to Ellis, and you can already see them taking effect.
Excellent performance by Matthew McConaughey in the lead role. Dallas Buyers Club will probably go down as the pinnacle of the Mcconaissance, and The Lincoln Lawyer as the start of it, but Mud deserves a mention in his progression.
Tye Sheridan shows maturity beyond his years as Ellis. He is a future star in the making.
Reese Witherspoon gets second billing but actually has little screentime or lines.
Good support from Jacob Lofland, Sam Shepard, Ray McKinnon, Sarah Paulson and Michael Shannon.
This review of Mud (2013) was written by Grant S on 18 May 2014.
Mud has generally received very positive reviews.
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