Review of Mud (2013) by Dave J — 25 Feb 2014

Tuesday, February 25 2014.

(2013) Mud.

DRAMA/ SUSPENSE.

Written and directed by Jeff Nichols which upon looking at the big picture, it is like watching another movie adaption of Mark Twain's books, but it isn't. Perhaps an updated version of "The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer", where in this movie the two central characters of Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland) sneak into a secluded island to lay claim on a boat that is lodged up onto a tree. But before heading back home on their boat, they're then intervened by a suspected felon who appears to be hiding out who calls himself "Mud"- hence the title played by Matthew McConaughey. Mud makes a deal with them for the boat in exchange for them to bring him some food. At this point, viewers suspect that Mud's a wanted felon, except that we haven't quite grasped on what he's wanted for, so we can only suspect. The rest of the movie through the course of time, reveals one revelation after another which is not surprising to some viewers but at the same time, we want all the characters we care about to succeed.

While I love the three main characters of Mud, Ellis and Neckbone, some viewers may feel that other situations are not properly addressed, such as the relationship with Ellis and the girl he thinks is attracted to him, or Neckbone's guardian, Galen played by Michael Shannon. That watching "Mud" almost feels that it wanted to be longer, but that the producers are already saying that it's long enough.

3 out of 4 stars.