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8

BHBarryMay 28, 2013

“Mud” stars Mathew McConaughhey, Reese Witherspoon, Sam Shepard and two young actors, Tye Sheridan ("Ellis" in the film) and Jacob Lofland (Ellis's friend) in this story of life and intrigue in Arkansas on the Mississippi. Filled with“Mud” stars Mathew McConaughhey, Reese Witherspoon, Sam Shepard and two young actors, Tye Sheridan ("Ellis" in the film) and Jacob Lofland (Ellis's friend) in this story of life and intrigue in Arkansas on the Mississippi. Filled with interest, suspense and a wonderfully written screenplay by Jeff Nichols, who also directed the film, it is more than a typical “coming of age” movie for it explores the romantic dreams and aspirations of its young heroes and of Ellis' in particular To describe the two as simply Tom Sawyer and/or Huck Finn types in the modern era does the film a great disservice. This movie captures and vividly desribes what life in the 21st Century for young boys living on the banks of the river is like and how they cope. It is no coincidence that the film's director and writer is a native of Arkansas and the Mississippi and, for this reason, the film's characters and actions ring true.For some unknown reason the film is in limited distribution although, n this writer’s opinion, it deserves much broader exposure. Driven by rich dialogue and scenes along the river community, I give this film an 8 and recommend that it be seen by all within distance of the few houses in which it is playing. I… Expand

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8

nickgreene11May 19, 2013

Mud is an awesome movie. It's portrayal of the Arkansas wild is great, and the performances are spot on. Matthew McConaughey as Mud is worth watching on its own right. This movie just gives you such a great sense of what it is to live on theMud is an awesome movie. It's portrayal of the Arkansas wild is great, and the performances are spot on. Matthew McConaughey as Mud is worth watching on its own right. This movie just gives you such a great sense of what it is to live on the river, and so the first hour feels like a sensory feast. It's around the second act that the plot begins to strain, but definitely a film worth watching, and a refreshing piece of American cinema.… Expand

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8

The3AcademySinsNov 2, 2018

Mud is a beautifully underrated, well acted, and well written movie. Watching Mud is akin to reading a modern-day Mark Twain novel. Matthew McConaughey is excellent in this role, and Sam Shepard and Michael Shannon do well in their minorMud is a beautifully underrated, well acted, and well written movie. Watching Mud is akin to reading a modern-day Mark Twain novel. Matthew McConaughey is excellent in this role, and Sam Shepard and Michael Shannon do well in their minor roles. The two boys, Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland are incredibly fun to watch as best friends. Reese Witherspoon has a great supporting part as well. A great movie with great life lessons, but I feel it runs a little too long. That is my one complaint, and other than that, this is a great movie!… Expand

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10

OneSamTwoCupsJul 26, 2013

Mud is a gripping film from start to finish, marking itself as a modern classic, reminiscent of Stand By Me. McConaughhey delivers his best performance yet as Mud, the man camping out on an island that two boys discover when exploring. TyeMud is a gripping film from start to finish, marking itself as a modern classic, reminiscent of Stand By Me. McConaughhey delivers his best performance yet as Mud, the man camping out on an island that two boys discover when exploring. Tye Sheridan (Ellis) makes his breakout performance as one of the boys. His friend, Neckbone (played by Jacob Lofland), is excellent as well. Mud captures every emotion with pure accuracy, strategically placing seeds for the audience to feed off of. I could tell you more about Mud, but this is a film you need to experience yourself.… Expand

7 of 10 users found this helpful73

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8

worleyjamersApr 27, 2013

Mud is a good film that starts slow, but carefully develops its characters and story. The result a wholly satisfying experience that features some fantastic performances; McConaughey is incredible and the kid Tye Sheridan is also could. CouldMud is a good film that starts slow, but carefully develops its characters and story. The result a wholly satisfying experience that features some fantastic performances; McConaughey is incredible and the kid Tye Sheridan is also could. Could very well be the Winter's Bone of 2013.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

TVJerryApr 30, 2013

Two Arkansas boys discover a boat in a tree and the fugitive hiding on the island (Matthew McConaughey). As they help him salvage the boat, they become entangled in his plight and learn about love on several levels. Although audiences willTwo Arkansas boys discover a boat in a tree and the fugitive hiding on the island (Matthew McConaughey). As they help him salvage the boat, they become entangled in his plight and learn about love on several levels. Although audiences will expect to see McConaughey get serious as this rough character (chipped tooth, scruffy beard), it's centered around the boys, who are sweet, earnest and sometimes funny. The story is absorbing, even if it falls apart before it's over. This is a solid drama with subdued direction and compelling performances.… Expand

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7

oblique15Dec 28, 2013

It was a bit slow, but it`s a movie with characters you learn to care about.I thought it was a good movie overall. I did not expect it to be about love as much as it was, but it was interesting

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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8

Compi24Apr 28, 2013

Quiet but efficient, "Mud" marks a spectacular niche into the subgenre of "coming-of-age-tales," and it includes yet another surprisingly noteworthy performance from Matthew McConaughey.

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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8

nutterjrAug 16, 2013

Matthew McConaughey seems to have turned a new leaf and is delivering powerful performances one after another as of late. Yet it is young Tye Sheridan who steals the show and I have a hunch that he will become one of my favourites, whilstMatthew McConaughey seems to have turned a new leaf and is delivering powerful performances one after another as of late. Yet it is young Tye Sheridan who steals the show and I have a hunch that he will become one of my favourites, whilst director Nichols is getting there fast.… Expand

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6

halcbMay 2, 2013

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A very well made film, beautifully photographed, well written and with good performances... BUT it lost major points for me toward the end when one of the main characters literally falls into peril (involving snakes) and is rescued by "Mud". This really bugged me because (a) it seemed unnecessary to the plot and to the character development; and (b) it relies on ignorance of snake behavior (and depicts non-venomous snakes!) and a movie cliche' (oh no, he fell into a snake pit!) to create artificial drama. If it had just lost that one scene, I think I would have given the film a solid 8. I can accept a certain amount of dramatic license, but that scene insulted the intelligence of most viewers in my opinion and significantly mars an otherwise very good film.… Expand

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8

BelgianTofuJul 14, 2013

This is a a lovely story, Mr. McConaughhey has shown once again, that he can truly act. If you like human stories this movie is for you. One of the better releases in recent times.

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8

LansdenrsAug 10, 2013

Mud has great acting, great writing, a great story, and a powerful message. I can see this movie being up for a couple academy awards. It doesn't have much action, but when it the action happens it hits you hard. Awesome Flick!

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8

RevRonAug 13, 2013

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I really dug this film. The story is interesting, the drama is done just right and it has some incredibly strong performances in it. And while McConaughey is awesome in it and it's nice to see him takes roles that push him farther and farther away from the romcom genre, the real movie stealer for me was Tye Sheridan as the young boy that meets Mud and finds his problems increase once he came upon the drifter with a shady past.… Expand

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9

JkfissDec 5, 2013

I get that it doesn't have CG. This movie would have won Academy Awards in another time. I had a strong visceral reaction to this film, which is precisely why I think it is a keeper. The ending didn't quite fit, which is why I gave it a 9.I get that it doesn't have CG. This movie would have won Academy Awards in another time. I had a strong visceral reaction to this film, which is precisely why I think it is a keeper. The ending didn't quite fit, which is why I gave it a 9. Mud has an undercurrent of emotional drama that few movies have, given that CG rules the day. I watched it with my middle son, who happens to be 28 and a confirmed syf-y, CG, thriller moviegoer. After the film, he announced that this was the best movie he had seen in a long time. I agree. Take that Avatar.… Expand

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8

Paarthurnax16Feb 18, 2017

Captivating, Endearing, Believable. Great acting, and storytelling. Moments of powerful emotion in this piece of drama. Simple yet remarkable. Multiple different angles can elevate a simple story; Love and Friendship. Maybe a modern classic.Captivating, Endearing, Believable. Great acting, and storytelling. Moments of powerful emotion in this piece of drama. Simple yet remarkable. Multiple different angles can elevate a simple story; Love and Friendship. Maybe a modern classic.

It is not some an action movie, but a drama with Metaphors about humanity, life experience, conflict and love. So please, if you complain about movies are just turning in to superficial story and special effects, Go SEE THIS MOVIE, and support it.

McConaughhey start his journey of great performances yet to come, like Mud, Rust;True Detective, and Ron in Dallas Club.

"it's hard, do not to knowing where you come from" - Mud… Expand

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2

MadMaxFuryRoad2Nov 22, 2015

This movie was boring boring boring and full of overused tropes. I'm so tired of the white male protagonist children "growing up" movies (which p.s. they learned nothing) and misogynistic archetypes. And also I can't be the only one sick ofThis movie was boring boring boring and full of overused tropes. I'm so tired of the white male protagonist children "growing up" movies (which p.s. they learned nothing) and misogynistic archetypes. And also I can't be the only one sick of Matthew McConaughey playing the mystical mysterious man, even if his abs are amazing. Yes, nice directing, but that does not save this movie from being super boring and panhandling to the same audience of white dudes feeling sentimental about their childhood and women being awful.… Expand

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9

ShiiraJun 6, 2013

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's a white trash family: three brothers, uneducated Southern rednecks all, Arkansas boys who never left town, fatherless boys barely getting by, and still angry. Kid owns nothing but the tent he pitches in the backyard of his older brother, Son, the eldest, the angriest, the only one with shelter, an actual house with a roof, indoor plumbing even. And then there is boy, the middle child, who lives, literally, in a van by the river, the Mississippi, where Huckleberry Finn and Jim, a runaway slave, and likewise, Mud and Tom Blankenship, floated down to freedom in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Mud, respectively. As far back as Shotgun Stories(the filmmaker's 2008 debut), the Mark Twain novel, albeit less explicitly, found a way to impact the narrative, as it pertains to race relations among blacks and whites in this filmic South. Boy, a middle school basketball coach, diagrams plays for his integrated team, schemes, he tells Kid, are based on Nolan Richardson(the first black coach to helm a predominantly white institution in the old South), whose style of ballin he implemented at Arkansas was given the label "forty minutes of hell". Huck, the precocious boy Twain equipped with a relatively progressive mind, more progressive than what passed as thinking in the 19th century South for the most part, says to himself, "All right then, I'll go to hell," before he tears up the letter he addressed to Miss Watson, his guardian, concerning Jim's whereabouts, deciding that he won't doggedly conform to his brethren's policy of degenerate thralldom. With his mind made up, in regard to rescuing the slave from human bondage, Huck muses: "Because as long as I was in, and in for good, I might as well go the whole hog," or in other words, an entire razorback, a half-breed pig, whose caricatured likeness serves as the state university's nickname for its sports teams, whom Boy champions, both miscegenation(he once had a black girlfriend, and perhaps, kids) and Arkansas hoops luminaries such as Sidney Moncrief and Corliss Williamson. Forty minutes of hell, according to Richardson, originally referred to his team's conditioning drills, a system of values, racist values that the generically-named boys buck, and likewise, Huck, who rebels against institutionalized racism, in which nature wins over nurture, as he willfully follows Jim into hell. Ellis, conversely, in Mud, was raised by progressive-minded Southerners who seemingly turned their backs on the Confederate flag, since the boy's name, a Yankee name, conjures up Ellis Island. The father, a small business owner, sells fresh fish to a largely black clientele, and when his son shows up late for work, he docks the boy ten dollars. No ensuing protestation comes out of Ellis' mouth about the pecuniary fine, since good service, the boy reckons, is a colorblind matter. Later, in Mud, Ellis and his best friend Neckbone, knock on motel room doors, posing as fishmongers, in order to locate Juniper, but before they reach her, the film poses a question, a dialectical one, as a black man, from his entryway, staring blankly at Ellis and Neckbone, asks the two boys, "Why the hell would I want to buy fish?" After all, Huck, despite being Jim's friend, still insists on the slave serving him, telling the runaway Negro to "pass me along another hunk of fish and some hot cornbread." The black man in the room, arguably, is a stand-in for Jim, and he doesn't seem all that impressed that Ellis goes from house to house, handing black customers their bag of fileted fish, according them the same respect as white men. In their heart of hearts, the black man feels, he and his people will always be, in Twain's own parlance, "n*****s". Wherefore The Adventures... is considered, by some, a racist novel, Minor Threat, a DC hardcore band, was also leveled with the same charge of intolerance, in due part to the song "Guilty of Being White". Creating even more dissonance, Neckbone wears a Fugazi tee. "You blame me for slavery," Ian MacKaye writes, "a hundred years before I was born," and, perhaps, not coincidentally, both novel(1884) and album(1984) are separated by the same hundred years. For sure, judging by the askant manner in which the black man from the motel dismisses the boys' harried pitch for fresh catfish, he thinks they are guilty of being white. This reconstructed Jim no longer seems grateful for the kindness of white people, and moreover, doesn't want to participate in a film where slavery is coopted as a metaphor for unrequited love, as in "no man is an island.". Neckbone, in professing his hatred for snakes, wittingly or unwittingly, conveys an antipathy for African-Americans, since the cottonmouths slithering in the pond are black. When Ellis gets bitten, in an intertextual sense, Jim is avenging the prank Huck pulls which leads to his rattlesnake bite. True, Neckbone never "lynched somebody", but is he innocent?… Expand

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5

Tss5078Feb 6, 2014

Mud is a strange coming of age story, where one boy learns that love isn't forever and that friendship comes in many different forms. Critics and fans on the movie sites I go to have been raving about this film, so I had to check it out andMud is a strange coming of age story, where one boy learns that love isn't forever and that friendship comes in many different forms. Critics and fans on the movie sites I go to have been raving about this film, so I had to check it out and chime in. I agree with those who say that newcomer, Tye Sheridan, gives an amazing performance, but as for the rest of the film, I think it leaves something to be desired. While out exploring, two boys meet a strange man named Mud, stranded on an island. This man is full of stories and needs the boys help to reconnect with his girlfriend and leave the island. For starters, the film is full of inconsistencies. Mud is starving and needs these boys to bring him food, but somehow, he always has a cigarette in his mouth. One or two things could be overlooked, but the inconsistencies fill up this film. While it's a good story, there isn't a lot of substance to it and the film moves at a snails pace, another thing that tends to turn viewers away. The best thing to do would have been to use flashbacks in Mud's stories to fill the time, instead there are a lot of symbolic scenes of people lost in thought, the business of the town, the kids hanging out, it was very methodical, but also very dull. Matthew McConaughey plays Mud and does a decent job, the problem doesn't lie with him. The film is based on this guy, and for a character with such an interesting past, he really is a sad, dull guy. The only real positive I took away from this film was Tye Sheridan, who plays one of the boys. He does a tremendous job as he starts to realize that love isn't everlasting. To see how this character matures from the beginning of the film to the end, is really remarkable, but it's not unique. Off the top of my head, I can think of a dozen similar stories, where the film is much more interesting and the same thing ends up happening. Mud is ambitious and may be the start of a long career for two young actors, but ultimately it's long, slow, and forgettable.… Expand

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9

Nesbitt10Aug 13, 2013

"Mud," the third feature from writer and director Jeff Nichols, is a remarkably accomplished piece of storytelling. From his promising, impressive film début, "Shotgun Stories," (2007) to the fascinating "Take Shelter," (2011) both showcases"Mud," the third feature from writer and director Jeff Nichols, is a remarkably accomplished piece of storytelling. From his promising, impressive film début, "Shotgun Stories," (2007) to the fascinating "Take Shelter," (2011) both showcases for Michael Shannon, who also has a key-supporting role in this film. Nichols has taken another step forward with his latest, which draws on Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn" as a rough model for Ellis's story. The film presents an impressive narrative construction and compelling characters with dynamic performances.

Two boys, Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland), speed out on their boat to a nearby spit of land to check out the unusual sight of a boat ensnared in a treetop, when they encounter an inhabitant. Mud (Matthew McConaughey), declares that he's waiting around for an arranged date with girlfriend Juniper (Reese Witherspoon). So he promptly enlists the help of the boys, who are in need of an adventurous break from their own humdrum lives. The boys have plenty of questions about his origins, but Mud doesn't reveal much. Mud is from around these parts, but fearful, it seems, of straying too close to the people and places of his youth.

At its heart, "Mud" is a story of the strength of familial bonds, of relationships destroyed by our tragically human, ineradicable flaws, and a coming-of-age film that defines us all. "Mud" deals in simple heartfelt emotions, and in a genuinely moving fashion. Nichols' approach to filmmaking also provides an additional palpable emotional element to the earnest storyline. "Mud" doesn't end up being a perfect film, with a runtime that feels a bit long, and its ending is a little weak. That's not to say it isn't fitting, but it just doesn't feel as satisfying as the rest of the film.

Always bringing out the best in his cast, Nichols solidifies his status as one of the best indie filmmakers of today. "Mud" delivers astounding performances while wrapping up the perfect blend of dramatic weight and fairy tale happiness. When the story gets going, and the moralities of characters' actions come into play, and there's no way to avoid being captivated by its southern hospitality.… Expand

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8

NBAluke579Jan 2, 2014

Mud is one of the most unexpected surprises of 2013.It is a great coming-of-age film which manages to never feel sappy or overly-sentimental. It features an incredible performance by Mathew McConaughey as well as the child actors plus greatMud is one of the most unexpected surprises of 2013.It is a great coming-of-age film which manages to never feel sappy or overly-sentimental. It features an incredible performance by Mathew McConaughey as well as the child actors plus great cinematography and an engaging script that entertains you from start to finish. McConaughey has made a huge turn around with his career, and i applaud him for that. Mud is a prime example of the man's acting skill, and I can't wait to see what other projects he will take as his career continues. I usually don't praise child actors, but the kids in this movie were great.With a movie like this it's easy to become cliche and derivative, but Mud never becomes that. It's a great film, one of my 5 favorite of 2013 and some people are even hailing it as a modern classic. 2013 has been a great year for films, and Mud is a perfect example of why it has been such a good year. Very much worth a watch.… Expand

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9

atrichornisAug 16, 2013

Understated and beautiful, this film brings you gently into the character's world, and then grips you. The writer/director Jeff Nichols gave the cast plenty to work with, and they didn't let him down. Compelling and honest throughout, this isUnderstated and beautiful, this film brings you gently into the character's world, and then grips you. The writer/director Jeff Nichols gave the cast plenty to work with, and they didn't let him down. Compelling and honest throughout, this is my favourite film of the year so far.… Expand

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3

zperry-20Aug 16, 2014

. Mud was boring , really boring and I felt it got no where throughout it , McConaughey is great as are the kid actors but it was just boring it got nowhere it was just like watching this hobos life. Defiantly overrated.

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5

GreatMartinMay 1, 2013

It has been 13 years since Matthew McConaughey played his bongos nude while high on Cannabis and then went into a string of not so romantic or funny romantic comedies. In the past 2 years he has been making a startling comeback with 3-4It has been 13 years since Matthew McConaughey played his bongos nude while high on Cannabis and then went into a string of not so romantic or funny romantic comedies. In the past 2 years he has been making a startling comeback with 3-4 highly acclaimed performances and he adds another one with “Mud”. With Medusa like hair, a chipped tooth, scraggly beard, tattoos and with a tan that is golden on his chiseled body you can see that bongo playing bad boy through the aging face. As the titled not quite so heroic lead on the run for killing a man and with that man’s father (Joe Don Baker), and bounty hunters tracking him down, Mud turns to his father-like figure Tom (Sam Shepard) and two 14 year old boys Ellis (Tye Sheridan) along with Neckbone (Jacob Lofland) for help. Tom warns the boys that Mud is nothing but a liar and all of his failures have been due to his love of Juniper (Reese Witherspoon) who he is now looking to hook up with again, run away and start a new life.

With a strong supporting cast along with Baker and Shepard there are Ray McKinnon and Sarah Paulson as Ellis’s parents, Michael Shannon as Neckbone’s uncle and Bonnie Sturdivant as a possible girlfriend for Ellis, though she doesn’t see it, McConaughey holds his own and the audiences attention but this film revolves around the boys. They are coming of age and all that brings including seeing the so many different ways of love among adults.

With all that this film is very disappointing for many reasons but the major one is that director and screenwriter Jeff Nichols tries to handle too many themes and in turn has a 2 hour and 10 minute film that would have been a lot better at one hour and 45 minutes. Though the relationship between McConaughey and Witherspoon is vital to the movie it is given short shrift and the latter very little screen time. Though good in their roles both Shannon’s and Shepard’s roles could have easily been eliminated as 2-3 other storylines really didn't add much but took away that important Mud and Juniper relationship.

Definitely a nod of the head to cinematographer Adam Stone who makes the Arkansas sunsets, sunrises and rivers sparkle. The original music by David Wingo and the production designer Richards A. Wright brings you into and lets you know the world of the Arkansas Delta.

“Mud” has fine performances by McConaughey, Sheridan, Lofland and the supporting cast but the length, slow pace and too many storylines work against it.… Expand

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5

ThegodfathersonApr 29, 2013

Mud is a drama mumbo jumbo Starring- the one and only Matthew Mcaunnghey. Wow. You know I expected a good movie and it it is a good movie with lots of dumb issues, some people say- oh! Great Cannes film!!! But seriously its an okay movieMud is a drama mumbo jumbo Starring- the one and only Matthew Mcaunnghey. Wow. You know I expected a good movie and it it is a good movie with lots of dumb issues, some people say- oh! Great Cannes film!!! But seriously its an okay movie nothing more. The film stars Tye Sheridian- I don't know who the actor is but still he puts in the effort of being a good child actor. The story is just like a Coming of age spatty muddy tale mixed up with children and crime. And milk.… Expand

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3

KnowNothingMay 29, 2013

Because submitted reviews have to be 150 characters long, I have to keep on typing. When all I have to say about the movie is, ZZZZzzzzz, ZZZZzzzzz.

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3

steventroubleMay 13, 2013

There's nothing particularly bad about this movie, but also nothing entirely amazing. The younger actors were entirely unconvincing and showed almost no emotion throughout the majority of the film. It wasn't bad, but it definitely was not that good.

1 of 10 users found this helpful19

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1

koconnorDec 27, 2013

The most over rated movie of the year and quite possibly history. They finally figured out how to make McConaughey shine as an actor surround him with other horrific actors. He plays a homeless, starving vagrant. At one point, they mentionThe most over rated movie of the year and quite possibly history. They finally figured out how to make McConaughey shine as an actor surround him with other horrific actors. He plays a homeless, starving vagrant. At one point, they mention his shirt and I thought, here it comes, he's going to take his damn shirt off (mandatory in all his movies). Of course, they contrive a way and he takes his shirt off and he's all ripped he can't find food but manages to hit the gym 3 times a day. Absurd… Expand

1 of 12 users found this helpful111

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9

brewsterJun 1, 2013

A wonderfully entertaining story and film. Kudos to MM for what is clearly his best performance. The movie is beautifully filmed, and one feels absorbed by the film (it "helped" that we arrived late and sat in the 3rd row!). Tye SheridanA wonderfully entertaining story and film. Kudos to MM for what is clearly his best performance. The movie is beautifully filmed, and one feels absorbed by the film (it "helped" that we arrived late and sat in the 3rd row!). Tye Sheridan is superb, perfectly portraying a young man, maturing too fast, yet endearingly naive. Jacob Lofeland also does a wonderful job, juxtaposed vs. Sheridan, more boyish, clearly looking up to, and trusting Sheridan, almost with his life. Together, the boys made some outrageous decisions, trusting their as yet undeveloped instincts, to provide a lifeline to a disheveled Mud. The writing and dialogue are are incredibly honest and credible for small town Arkansas. The story itself is captivating and anyone who "zzzzzzzzz'd" their way through this film, was probably overtired. It's impossible to deign the ending til the very end. My wife also enjoyed this immensely. Thanks to Jeff Nichols for an exciting and entertaining evening.… Expand

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9

BikerjamesMay 14, 2013

This is the best film of the year so far. The acting and writing is great, and the movie feels authentic. I was never bored at the 2 hours and 5 minutes it took to watch it. It is kind of a modern day Huck Finn story, with two boys helpingThis is the best film of the year so far. The acting and writing is great, and the movie feels authentic. I was never bored at the 2 hours and 5 minutes it took to watch it. It is kind of a modern day Huck Finn story, with two boys helping a fugitive to escape. The story mainly centers around Ellis, perfectly played by Tye Sheridan, who's world is changing with the impending divorce of his parents and his first crush on an older girl in town. They live on a river boat and his parents have loose reins on his upbringing, which I appreciated. He is free to live a very fun childhood with his best friend Neckbone, played excellently by Jacob Lofland. Matthew McConaughey is also good as the fugitive. If you like coming of age films like "Stand By Me", you will like this one.… Expand

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9

TheQuietGamerAug 22, 2013

I don't want to spoil anything that happens in this movie, but I will tell you that it is a fantastic story and a must watch. Matthew McConaughey delivers a fantastic performance, as does the rest of the cast. The best part about this movieI don't want to spoil anything that happens in this movie, but I will tell you that it is a fantastic story and a must watch. Matthew McConaughey delivers a fantastic performance, as does the rest of the cast. The best part about this movie is that it all feels realistic. Watching it all unfold can deliver on the edge of your seat moments, but the real prize comes from the little moments that help keep everything in place. These are the moments that the true potential of the actors comes forth for you to marvel at. Just the little things like the expression on a face go a long way to create the sense of realism in this movie of love and loss. Make no mistake, "Mud" is a fantastic movie and a must see.… Expand

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7

whitewindMay 15, 2013

From all the fine reviews, I expected this movie would really "grab" me, but it did not. It is still a very good film, but it was slow in the middle with a number of plot machinations, which could have been avoided. It was not quite clear toFrom all the fine reviews, I expected this movie would really "grab" me, but it did not. It is still a very good film, but it was slow in the middle with a number of plot machinations, which could have been avoided. It was not quite clear to me why the one boy (Ellis"), went to such extremes (like stealing) for Mud. I found myself looking at my watch periodically, hoping the film would get to the "grand finale" soon. When it finally did, it was very intense and well done. The young actors who played the boys did not seem like the best who could have been chosen for these roles. Matthew McConaughey ("Mud), however, was just right for his role (a sort of modern day Paul Newman).… Expand

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8

hoops2448Aug 27, 2013

Matthew McConaghay's previous foray into the lives of people in southern USA was the distressing and pointless Killer Joe. Mud takes a different track by presenting the characters lives as their choice and where they want to be. When EllisMatthew McConaghay's previous foray into the lives of people in southern USA was the distressing and pointless Killer Joe. Mud takes a different track by presenting the characters lives as their choice and where they want to be. When Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland) find a boat in the middle of a small island they discover Mud (McConaghay), a man waiting for his girlfriend Juniper (Reese Witherspoon) who has promised to meet him. While structured like a pretty conventional revenge story, Mud is really a tale about sons and fathers and the women who control them. Directed by Jeff Nichols, Mud is a film about the beauty of a simple life and the kindness and humanity that comes with this kind of community. Mud is really the tale of Ellis, a smooth talking yet naive young boy who relates to Mud because of their complex relationships with their fathers. The film is filled with sharply written and well acted characters with McConaghay and Witherspoon being a terrific tragic pairing as the true reason for Mud's banishment becomes apparent, the two get better and better. Sheridan is a brilliant new find and brings out all of Ellis' growing pains wonderfully. The film rides on the relationship between Ellis and Mud and the two mesh well together as they form an almost brotherly bond. Ultimately its a beautifully performed and filmed picture that displays the beauty of living on the river and of living in a world of your own where the odd is strangely normal and people like Mud fortunately exist.… Expand

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9

StevenFOct 22, 2013

There's a gritty and realistic form of wisdom to take away from 'Mud', full of surprises, subtle brilliance and some engrossing performances. Mud feels art house, but it also hints towards mainstream elements, either way it throws someThere's a gritty and realistic form of wisdom to take away from 'Mud', full of surprises, subtle brilliance and some engrossing performances. Mud feels art house, but it also hints towards mainstream elements, either way it throws some interesting characters into one big pot, each with their own problems and difficulties in life, age not being a factor. Although the title refers to the character Matthew McConaughey portrays, there's also two young boys, Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland) are two young boys who have a knack for going out in little adventures, one which brings them to a secluded island in the waters of Arkansas, where they live. On said island, they try to claim ownership of a stranded boat high in trees, but they soon realise that they aren't the only ones who know about the boat, Mud comes into their life with his unkempt hair, heavy southern accent and aspirations of meeting his one true love Juniper (Reese Witherspoon), but when love is involved, it isn't usually savoury or happy trials ahead. Ellis in particular is young boy with all the problems in front of him, parents possibly getting divorced, learning about love and even heartbreak for the first time. The story of Ellis and Mud are mirrored in a deliberate and intriguing tale, they share similar experiences and the film seems to be showing what Mud's life was like as a younger person, perhaps showing the mistakes he made and how to steer Ellis away from making the same ones. This is the sort of film where many will judge the character of Mud, to many he will still be a murderer on the run, no matter his excuses, but to others he will be the man looking out for his girl, even if she doesn't show the same gratitude. The height of brilliance in the storytelling from writer and director Jeff Nichols strong and inspirational throughout the film, he paints a sort of prophet in Mud who isn't necessarily delusional, but more like someone who has hit rock bottom already and doesn't really know where else to go but up.
The most catching part of the film is its originality, no adaptions or anything of the sort, films these days to be literal in the sense of having a book to centre a story around, but this one, these characters are equally as significant as any black and white one, Ellis and Neckbone are smart kids, but they buy into Mud and his smooth talking plans too easily, each person who has known Mud before the two boys has had little redeeming things to say about him, but Ellis continues to return to him and help him, regardless of the consequences. My only gripe with an otherwise impeccable film is an ending that doesn't quite fit, a shootout that offers no real conclusive finish, only an opportunity for some wounds to heal.
But other than that, Mud is easily the most touching of films that is completely original, it's forthright in its approach to how we perceive human beings who have perhaps gone off track a little, but also how the most unlikely of people can put them back on the right path, McConaughey at his finest with a very convincing performance from Sheridan, it's wisdom at its toughest and brilliance in its own artful way.… Expand

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7

beingryanjudeSep 2, 2014

I have a feeling we're going to see a lot more of newcomer Tye Sheridan, but it is our titular role from McConaughey that will set this film apart. I sincerely hope Jeff Nichols keeps on delivering emotional powerhouse films.

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7

csw12Jul 27, 2013

Mud is a well directed and well acted film with its two star young roles playing the key to its success. It's a quiet but efficient coming of age tale that may not hit you hard with emotion but gives you a story and characters to care about.

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9

Trev29Aug 23, 2013

Mud marks the first great movie of 2013. The acting is fantastic and especially hats off to the young boys whose performances are so spot on. Beautiful imagery of a part of the south rarely showcased in films. A great story all around.

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9

youngthespian42Jun 5, 2013

For full review: http://youngthespian42films.blogspot.com/2013/06/mud.html

skinny: Mud is a must see. McConaughey gives an Oscar-worthy performance that is rivaled by Tye Sheridan struggling teenager. The setting is transformative and youFor full review: http://youngthespian42films.blogspot.com/2013/06/mud.html

skinny: Mud is a must see. McConaughey gives an Oscar-worthy performance that is rivaled by Tye Sheridan struggling teenager. The setting is transformative and you will feel like you have been transported into a world you didn't know existed along the Mississippi. The movie throws every genre you can think of at you and succeeds in pulling all of them off without seeming cheap or shallow. Jeff Nichols is a force to reckoned with and I cannot wait for his next project. Mud is my second real contender for my top 10 this year (Spring Breakers being my first). I guarantee you this story and the heart of this movie will stick with you much longer than spectacle that is Iron Man 3 or The Lone Ranger.… Expand

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8

NikolayGMay 31, 2013

When I was a kid movies about super heroes or vampires or giant robots were kid stuff. Grown ups watched dramas where what got you interested and kept you interested were just good stories about interesting characters. These days there areWhen I was a kid movies about super heroes or vampires or giant robots were kid stuff. Grown ups watched dramas where what got you interested and kept you interested were just good stories about interesting characters. These days there are very few of those available on the screen on any given day. Mud is one of them. Good but it could have been better if it had gone a little more Flannery O'Connor and a little less Disney at the end. The acting is superb. I'm referring to the screenplay. You just know at some point the story was stronger and then someone in a suit forced them to water it down. For those expecting lots of violence, but for one scene, you're not going to find that here.… Expand

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8

DC4CardsJun 19, 2013

Saw the 99% review rating on rotten tomatoes and thought this had to be a great great movie. Had high hopes going in and it was a very good movie, just not as good as I thought it would be. This is def one I would recommend seeing in theSaw the 99% review rating on rotten tomatoes and thought this had to be a great great movie. Had high hopes going in and it was a very good movie, just not as good as I thought it would be. This is def one I would recommend seeing in the theater, just don't go in thinking it will set the world on fire. Very good movie though.… Expand

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9

analogkid280Apr 30, 2013

Great acting and a moving but calm storyline gives this movie a pleasant feel. There is really nothing wrong with this movie. it starts with great introductions to all the characters and gives you just enough information to be curious. ThereGreat acting and a moving but calm storyline gives this movie a pleasant feel. There is really nothing wrong with this movie. it starts with great introductions to all the characters and gives you just enough information to be curious. There were a couple of times while watching this that I had to just take myself out of it to just think, "What a quality made movie". What really bumps the score up for me though it the screenwriters resistance to jump into typical Hollywood cliches. Certainly better than many wide release films out there and this one deserves a wide release soon.… Expand

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9

RandallAudrainAug 18, 2013

"Mud" is an outstanding American film that is destined to be a classic. It features a terrific performances by all involved. It's definitely a film that will stick with you long afterwards, and you can't really ask for more than that from a"Mud" is an outstanding American film that is destined to be a classic. It features a terrific performances by all involved. It's definitely a film that will stick with you long afterwards, and you can't really ask for more than that from a movie these days.… Expand

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8

foxgroveJan 2, 2014

Wonderfully written and acted, at its heart this is a coming of age story about a young boy's disillusionment with life and love. Tye Sheridan is a natural as the boy and Matthew McConaughey must now rank as one of the top 5 American actorsWonderfully written and acted, at its heart this is a coming of age story about a young boy's disillusionment with life and love. Tye Sheridan is a natural as the boy and Matthew McConaughey must now rank as one of the top 5 American actors in movies today. His performances of late (Killer Joe; Magic Mike; Dallas Buyers Club) Just keep stretching him and he continues to get better and better. The film is so lovingly photographed that you begin to feel the environment. Directed with restraint by original author Jeff Nicholls it is spot on tonally in eliciting pathos. Only some mis judged music at the end rudely spoils the effect of this other wise quite brilliant little gem.… Expand

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8

BrianMcCriticJun 4, 2013

Mud is a well directed, well acted film that helps to show that love isn't easy. The kids are the standout performances here along with Matthew McConaughey's Mud.

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10

JCouch777Jan 19, 2014

One of those heartwarming stories with 2 young boys looking for a role model and the meaning of love. This delivers FAR past what I expected and has become one of my favorite movies of the whole year. McConaughey and the other boys haveOne of those heartwarming stories with 2 young boys looking for a role model and the meaning of love. This delivers FAR past what I expected and has become one of my favorite movies of the whole year. McConaughey and the other boys have incredible performances that pull you right into the story. Could possible become a new classic that is hopelessly overlooked at awards season… Expand

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9

donguaMay 12, 2013

Mud covers how to become a man. What is the role of a man in his family, to his son, to his wife and to the woman he loves? What will a man sacrifice for love? Is a man's word his bond or burden? Tragically, most men will not see this filmMud covers how to become a man. What is the role of a man in his family, to his son, to his wife and to the woman he loves? What will a man sacrifice for love? Is a man's word his bond or burden? Tragically, most men will not see this film and appreciate's this film's velvety goodness. Nichols is a gentle taskmaster, tempering his cold lashes of truth with sweet southern charm. McConaughey has never been more charming in his devotion and desperation. There is a soul behind those baby blue eyes. The real star belongs to Sheridan, who's tour de force performance, shows how boys become men. A young star is born. This film ultimately highlights how boys must lose themselves to change, to embrace change and uncertainty with strength, faith, loyalty and family. Innocence is always a casualty, but doesn't make it beautiful corpse?… Expand

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7

Prodigy2013Jul 30, 2013

‘Mud’ was a satisfying film about two fourteen year old boys who help a fugitive evade bounty hunters and reunite with his true love. While the plot stood out, the movie worked more as a rich character study about one of the boys, Ellis, and‘Mud’ was a satisfying film about two fourteen year old boys who help a fugitive evade bounty hunters and reunite with his true love. While the plot stood out, the movie worked more as a rich character study about one of the boys, Ellis, and how his recent predicaments and fractured home teach him a series of valuable lessons that he can take with him for the rest of his life. Whether it be his marginalized father, divorce ready mother, or the well meaning fugitive, Mud; everybody has an input in his development. Matthew McConaughey gives an outstanding performance as the titular character, called Mud, who acts as a mentor for the young boys, while trying to battle his own demons in his life. McConaughey’s portrayal of a hard edged killer with a rather naïve outlook on love, made the character both engrossing and sympathetic. Also of note was Tye Sheridan who convincingly performs the mental growth of our young character, Ellis; as the actions of all the adults in his life mold him into the man he will one day become. This was a rock solid movie that tackles themes of love, embracing change and ultimately accepting the realities of life, even the harsh ones. It was a touching film without being sappy in any way, shape or form.… Expand

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9

BeePositiveJul 7, 2013

Mud is an enjoyable modern "coming of age" American drama film which takes place in the deep South. The two young new actors Tye Sheridan & Jacob Lofland, along with Matthew McConaughey provided the audience with a superb performance! AnyMud is an enjoyable modern "coming of age" American drama film which takes place in the deep South. The two young new actors Tye Sheridan & Jacob Lofland, along with Matthew McConaughey provided the audience with a superb performance! Any fan of the 1986 movie, "Stand by Me," should enjoy this movie.… Expand

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9

MovieGuysApr 22, 2014

Mud is one of the best movies of late. Many stars are here, and they are anything but wasted. It starts off a little slow, but once Mud gets going, it's thrillingly alive. Even after it's ending, I wanted more. McConaughey's performance inMud is one of the best movies of late. Many stars are here, and they are anything but wasted. It starts off a little slow, but once Mud gets going, it's thrillingly alive. Even after it's ending, I wanted more. McConaughey's performance in this well-executed drama is one of the best of his career. However, it's the kid, Tye Sheridan, who steals the show here. Even for a teenage actor, Sheridan shows depth to the character, and won't be a "one-hit wonder". This kid has real potential, and I would love to see him in more movies.… Expand

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10

ugisupriatnaJun 20, 2014

One of the best Southern American drama ever seen in recent memory and makes me love that genre. "Mud" is sweet and heartwarming drama film about trust, love, loss and woman . It's just like an enchanted-fairytale from Arkansas Texas, easilyOne of the best Southern American drama ever seen in recent memory and makes me love that genre. "Mud" is sweet and heartwarming drama film about trust, love, loss and woman . It's just like an enchanted-fairytale from Arkansas Texas, easily like Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn… Expand

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8

iswantingcakeJan 6, 2014

Jimmy Spoiler-free reviews 2013 things:
Mud
Mud, not the mud on your feet but Mud The Movie, is more or less a 2013 film despite sources such as imdb listing it as a 2012 film. It only saw 2 premieres in 2012 at French film festivalsJimmy Spoiler-free reviews 2013 things:
Mud

Mud, not the mud on your feet but Mud The Movie, is more or less a 2013 film despite sources such as imdb listing it as a 2012 film. It only saw 2 premieres in 2012 at French film festivals (notably Cannes).

It's an interesting tale of two fourteen year old southern boys named Ellis and 'Neckbone' who are exploring the Mississippi when they encounter Mud. This man, with the odd name of Mud, is mysterious and seemingly-wise, and the tale revolves around their relationship with him and his aspirations to reunite with his love interest. It isn't one of those movies that makes you feel bad. It reminds you of being a kid really. I'd almost call it an adult movie with the lighthearted feel and pacing of a kid's movie. And it's really American. I can't imagine anyone not familiar with America or southerners understanding this movie.

People Who would like Mud:
-People who like feel-good movies that don't suck
-Those interested in southern or American culture
-Fans of lighthearted movies
-Fans of Matthew McConaughey
-People interested in so-called 'modern American classics'
-Oh yeah, Reese Witherspoon's in it if that's a bonus
-People who like coming of age stories
-Fans of movies with young protagonists
-People who like movies featuring rivers
-mericans

People who would not like this:
-Unamerican Communists
-People who absolutely hate anything that resembles a 'feel-good' movie
-People not that dislike southern american english
-Those that somehow have a problem with Matthew McConaughey
-People who hate young teens, especially southern ones

I can imagine certain people not liking Mud, but I enjoyed it a lot.

8/10 for Mud… Expand

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10

Eilidh2Sep 30, 2014

Mud was my favorite movie last year. A lovely fable about the friendship between a drifter on the run from the police and two teenage boys, growing up in dysfunctional families, on the Arkansas River. It brought to mind Carson McCullers asMud was my favorite movie last year. A lovely fable about the friendship between a drifter on the run from the police and two teenage boys, growing up in dysfunctional families, on the Arkansas River. It brought to mind Carson McCullers as much as Mark Twain. McConaughey as a man who had been a feral child and had never really become an adult, gave a beautifully modulated performance, making a touching portrait of a simple man easily the equal of his Oscar-winning work in Dallas Buyers Club. Jeff Nichols' film is even more emotionally involving than his stunning "Take Shelter", a lovely portrait of a simple society being torn apart by "progress". Superb work also by Tye Sheridan and Sam Shepard.… Expand

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9

soma95Nov 26, 2014

I was captivated from the very beginning to the credits. I, for one, would have entitled it something else, since the lead actor here was not Mcconaughey, but Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland. Considering how young they were, their performanceI was captivated from the very beginning to the credits. I, for one, would have entitled it something else, since the lead actor here was not Mcconaughey, but Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland. Considering how young they were, their performance was nothing but a truly remarkable one, hats off to them.… Expand

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8

DCEdmondsNov 13, 2014

"Mud" 10 Scale Rating: 8.0 (Great) ...

The Good: The cast is good all around, but McConaughey puts in his best performance. You can tell that he really put a lot into the character and hopefully he is up for award consideration. It's a"Mud" 10 Scale Rating: 8.0 (Great) ...

The Good: The cast is good all around, but McConaughey puts in his best performance. You can tell that he really put a lot into the character and hopefully he is up for award consideration. It's a gritty and mostly dark film, yet still retains some semblance of childhood innocence.

The Bad: Slows down quite a bit in the middle. Once the setup is in place, it seems to take awhile to get to the climax.… Expand

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8

root_Dec 1, 2014

Its a different story , but a beautiful one full of suspense .
a great thought from the banks of Jeff Nichols.
there are hardly good coming-of-age drama-thriller film so go for it .

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10

MadMaxFuryRoadAug 13, 2015

Mud is by far one of the most original story I have ever seen. Matthew McConaughey was amazing in this film and Reese Witherspoon was brilliant. The two kids were also amazing and the movie just was pretty good. The movie does start to loseMud is by far one of the most original story I have ever seen. Matthew McConaughey was amazing in this film and Reese Witherspoon was brilliant. The two kids were also amazing and the movie just was pretty good. The movie does start to lose steam in the middle but catches up to the fun and hype at the very end. Overall, I am satisfied with this one and I think is one of the better movies I have seen this year.… Expand

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8

MovieMasterEddyApr 4, 2016

The central image in “Mud,” Jeff Nichols’s deft and absorbing third feature, is of a boat in a tree. It’s the kind of phenomenon — a caprice of nature that is absurd but also wondrous — designed to enchant adventurous children like Ellis (TyeThe central image in “Mud,” Jeff Nichols’s deft and absorbing third feature, is of a boat in a tree. It’s the kind of phenomenon — a caprice of nature that is absurd but also wondrous — designed to enchant adventurous children like Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland), two Arkansas boys who discover the boat on an overgrown island in the Mississippi River. They also discover the fellow who claims to own, or at least inhabit, the vessel, a leathery loner whose name is Mud.

Mud is played by Matthew McConaughey in the latest in a series of surprising, intense and often very funny performances following his escape from the commercial romantic-comedy penal colony. “Magic Mike,” “The Paperboy,” “The Lincoln Lawyer” and “Bernie” are all very different (and differently imperfect) movies, but in all of them, and in “Mud,” Mr. McConaughey commands attention with a variation on a certain kind of Southern character: handsome but battered, charming but also sinister, his self-confidence masking a history of bad luck and trouble.

Ellis and Neckbone are a little afraid of Mud, but Ellis in particular is immediately drawn to him, taking his wild stories (“stretchers,” Tom Sawyer might have called them) at face value and adopting the man as a cause and a surrogate father. (Ellis’s actual dad, played by Ray McKinnon, is a stern and moody fisherman struggling with hard times and a failing marriage).

Mud, with only a pistol and a lucky shirt for protection, is hiding out on the island because some bad guys are looking for him, and because he is waiting to run away with the love of his life, a lady named Juniper (Reese Witherspoon). He needs some help acquiring food and getting messages to Juniper, and his new young friends are happy to oblige — Ellis because he has found a kindred romantic soul, Neckbone because he can make a deal for that pistol and have a little fun in the bargain.

Part of the wonder and some of the letdown of “Mud” is that a lot of what Mud says turns out to be true. Juniper shows up at a nearby town, and so does a fleet of black Cadillacs full of dangerous-looking dudes commanded by the great Joe Don Baker. Even without this intrigue, Ellis has the usual coming-of-age business to contend with: the tension between his father and mother (Sarah Paulson); his crush on a girl named May Pearl (Bonnie Sturdivant); and potential problems with his sidekick, Neckbone, who lives in a trailer with his wayward uncle, Galen (Michael Shannon).

Mr. Nichols’s screenplay is perhaps a little too heavily plotted, especially toward the end, when everything comes together neatly and noisily, but he more than compensates with graceful rhythm, an unfussy eye for natural beauty and a sure sense of character and place. What might have been an earnest, oversensitive, stereotypically Sundance-y piece of regionalist misery is leavened by suspense and jolts of laughter.

Some of this comes from Neckbone, who serves as Ellis’s comic sidekick, a cynical and pragmatic foil for his dreamy buddy. The two boys, whose faces register their contrasting temperaments — Mr. Lofland with his brush cut and Dennis the Menace features; Mr. Sheridan with his hooded eyes and downturned mouth — have been guided into exceptionally subtle feats of acting. The grown-ups (and I should add Sam Shepard, as an enigmatic neighbor of Ellis’s, to the names mentioned above) are mighty good too.

Mr. Nichols, an Arkansas native whose previous features are “Shotgun Stories” and “Take Shelter,” is very much aware that life on the Mississippi, now as in Mark Twain’s day, is characterized by boisterous humor as well as hardship and stoicism. (He reportedly asked his cast to read “Huckleberry Finn” during production.)

Though Mud’s desperation eventually begins to show, his wit never deserts him. Nor does the movie, even as it tilts toward a busy climax, lose its confidence that a good story is not just about some crazy stuff that happens but also about the voice that does the telling. And Mr. Nichols’s voice is a distinctive and welcome presence in American film.… Expand

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1

BroyaxMar 24, 2018

Dans ce "Mud", Matthew le bellâtre quelque peu écorné joue un crevard qui mène en bateau deux ados naïfs, dont l'un très impulsif raisonne avec les poings plus qu'à son tour : il m'a l'air bien mal élevé ce gamin ! En tout cas, sur les bordsDans ce "Mud", Matthew le bellâtre quelque peu écorné joue un crevard qui mène en bateau deux ados naïfs, dont l'un très impulsif raisonne avec les poings plus qu'à son tour : il m'a l'air bien mal élevé ce gamin ! En tout cas, sur les bords du Mississipi magnifiquement filmé ici, se déroule l'une des histoires les plus invraisemblables qui puisse être racontée, très mollement racontée.

On mettra ça sur le compte de la poésie que le réalisateur a voulu insufler à son baratin sur la naïveté de l'adolescence et le dépit amoureux en général mais tout de même, que c'est lent, apathique et chiant ! en dehors de sa langueur contagieuse et soporifique, l'histoire échoue à impliquer le spectateur qui n'éprouve aucune empathie particulière ni pour ce type à la morale à deux vitesses, ni pour les ados plus souvent idiots que crédibles dans leur comportement.

"Mud" rajoute en effet du côté des gamins une bonne dose de drame social à son histoire à dormir debout, ce qui ne fait qu'alourdir ce qui était déjà passablement lourdingue. Le coup du bateau perché n'est que la plus grosse invraisemblance parmi d'autres, à croire que nous ne sommes que les canards sauvages du Mississipi pour gober un tel tissu de conneries...

La fin n'assure pas non plus et se veut bêtement consensuelle et familiale : elle nous prend de facto pour des ravis de la crèche. Si les **** gars font ce qu'ils peuvent, Matthew Mcmachin reste désespérément peu convaincant, pour ne pas dire carrément mauvais ; quant à la blondasse plus très fraîche au nom de cuiller, elle fait carrément de la peine.

La réalisation est appliquée (bien qu'avachie) et la photo est belle mais franchement, que c'est bateau ce truc lénifiant qui nous passe par dessus la tête !… Expand

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10

billmarkmSep 24, 2022

A coming-of-age story built around a mystery of, "Who the **** is this dirtbag?" The more we find out about McConaughey's Mud, the more the protagonist figures out about life; it's a plot that flows beautifully and the performances areA coming-of-age story built around a mystery of, "Who the **** is this dirtbag?" The more we find out about McConaughey's Mud, the more the protagonist figures out about life; it's a plot that flows beautifully and the performances are stellar all around. If you can ignore McConaughey's fake chipped tooth* (I kept waiting for it to start whistling like Gob's in Arrested Development) this is a couple hours well worth your time.

*Apparently, McConaughey said he was willing to chip it for real, but the director opted for a prosthetic. He should've let Matt go for it.… Expand

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8

TyranianNov 25, 2019

Probably Nichols' best film, great acting, writing, directing and gritty visuals.

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8

SpangleMar 31, 2014

Charming, sweet, touching, heartfelt, and tragic, Mud is a successful film for many reasons, one of which is the acting. It is hard to think of an actor more on top of his game than Matthew McConaughey and Mud is no exception. His charismaCharming, sweet, touching, heartfelt, and tragic, Mud is a successful film for many reasons, one of which is the acting. It is hard to think of an actor more on top of his game than Matthew McConaughey and Mud is no exception. His charisma and easy going demeanor really pull you in and, while he is not directly the protagonist (even though he plays the title character), you find yourself rooting for him and hoping things work out for him. On top of McConaughey, both Tye Sheridan and Jack Lofland did fantastic jobs. For actors of their age, they packed considerable emotion and passion into their roles and really impressed me. Also, the supporting cast, headed by Sam Shepard was also phenomenal and really helped. While Fargo is a superior film, a lot of Mud reminded me of Fargo. While it was a totally different film, the way the film totally embodies the region it depicts and sort of oozes with Southern charm is very similar to the way Fargo really represents Minnesota. Both are also beautifully filmed. Fargo's imagery really helped to define it, especially with the blue/white colorization, while Mud's visuals have the same effect, but with golden light on it as if it was shot in "the magic hour" a la Terrence Malick's Days of Heaven.… Expand

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9

VandyPriceJun 7, 2013

Though my opinion might be slightly biased as director Jeff Nichols is from my hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas and is certainly the most prominent filmmaker to come out of here in quite some time it is also nice to see the south receiveThough my opinion might be slightly biased as director Jeff Nichols is from my hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas and is certainly the most prominent filmmaker to come out of here in quite some time it is also nice to see the south receive authentic representation in a film that receives wide, and mostly positive recognition. This isn't Nichols first foray into depicting the south in all its bare normality's and simplicities though as he has ventured here twice before in 2007's deadly family feud drama Shotgun Stories and 2011's Take Shelter that perfectly encapsulated the inner demons and slow unraveling of the human psyche. In his latest, Mud, Nichols has kept his location the same as he is able to so naturally create a sense of place and that is key here as our two young protagonists live on and off of the river that guides them to an island where they meet the titular character. The atmosphere and the way in which Nichols crafts his story lend an almost mythical quality to the tone. It is as if this could just have easily been a southern fable that parents told their children at night so as to keep them from wandering where they aren't supposed to go. Still, even with these vibes of a folk legend the film is able to say and do so much more than simply teach a moral lesson. I expected the slow pace, the southern setting, and the bigger implications the story might make other than what is on the surface, but what continues to surprise is the renaissance of a period that Matthew McConaughey is having in his career at the moment. All of the performances here are strong and Nichols has rounded up a solid cast, especially in his two young stars, but it is McConaughey's turn as the title character that will have you thinking about the film long after the credits roll and what he stood for, what he wanted from life, and most inconspicuously, who he really was.

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6

amheretojudgeFeb 20, 2018

you gotta see this..

Mud It scores highly and stands alone on its eerie perspective on conveying a tale to the viewers along with its all mixed up genre feature that hardly settles on an answer. Mud is profoundly written, explicitlyyou gotta see this..

Mud

It scores highly and stands alone on its eerie perspective on conveying a tale to the viewers along with its all mixed up genre feature that hardly settles on an answer. Mud is profoundly written, explicitly executed and has some genuine dreadful characters that are given enough room to justify themselves on the plot offering enough range for the actors too to perform majestically. Jeff Nichols is brilliant in both of his job i.e. writing and directing and has an amazing cast star like Matthew McConaughey who is supported by brilliant kids and Michael Shannon and Sarah Paulson that helps him sail off this boat safe and easy to the shore. Mud; as said earlier, doesn't fit in a genre and hence helps the script to be unpredictable till the end leaving the audience mesmerized but has a bit of a trouble on its pace which is quite slow and it factors in a lot considering it is of more than 2 hours.… Expand

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7

DawdlingPoetNov 24, 2021

At first I thought this was like a modern day American version of 'Stig Of The Dump', although it only shares one or two similarities. Its a fairly slow paced film, one I'd categorise as an adventure/drama film. Its one of those films inAt first I thought this was like a modern day American version of 'Stig Of The Dump', although it only shares one or two similarities. Its a fairly slow paced film, one I'd categorise as an adventure/drama film. Its one of those films in which the main characters background is only very slowly elaborated on, in which the young boys are faced with different accounts of certain times, or aspects, in Muds life. I found myself questioning how I viewed him differently given the various details we learn about him, during the film.

The film covers themes including communication, trust including trust in relationships, evasion from the authorities, male bonding, companionship and isolation I suppose. I found Mud to be a very thoughtful and intriguing character - clearly a bit of a hermit or loner but also someone who is compassionate and wishes to help those who seem to mean no harm and present the opportunity to befriend him.

I found myself liking the simplicity of some aspects of the plot and I also felt that the young teenage cast did well in portraying their roles - the relationship between Mud and them seemed quite genuine and intrigued me. I felt that it was, or could be seen to be, a film with some clear morals present (or hinted at), in terms of the older adults having plenty to learn from the younger boys, their discoveries about Mud and lack of malice.

Some scenes were shot particularly well, taking advantage of sunsets, with the sun clearly visible in the background, slowly disappearing - that added a mysterious sense to the scene I'm thinking of. I felt it was quite a scenic film in general, with some general landscape shots (shown between scenes) being quite visually pleasing to look at.

Perhaps I should state the obvious - that there is a lot of Southern American accents present. I say this as some people may not be best keen on the more long drawn out 'drawl' present in that 'neck of the woods' and if so then you may well not enjoy this film. However, that aside and aside from the fact that its plot pace is really quite (meanderingly) slow, there is very little I can think to say to criticise it. For the record, I have no real issue, or problem, with the accent but I imagine some people may find it a bit grating.

Cast wise, Matthew McConaughey plays the title role of Mud. He usually appears in rom coms and the like, although he has appeared in a few other drama films. I thought he did pretty well in portraying the quiet, insular, thoughtful character. Also present in the cast is Reece Witherspoon as Muds love interest, Juniper (I hasten to clarify that although he has a love interest, it really is not primarily what I'd call a romantic comedy or otherwise purely a romance based film as such). She comes across as both relatively feisty and easy-going at times, while also pretty thoughtful as well I guess. Other cast members include Tye Sheridan as Ellis and Jacob Lofland as Neckbone, the two main young boys. I felt they did particularly well in playing their roles, although im not entirely sure I could explain precisely why, other than that they seemed very convincing regarding their friendship/companionship with Mud. Personally I felt that overall it was a pretty good film, one that some may love and some may think is too slow and a bit boring. I'm going with a 4 star rating to reflect this, as I did feel the start was lacking somewhat - it took me a while to get in to it but once I did, I quite enjoyed it.

Regarding the content, this film contains sexual references and brief images of mild nudity, there is mild to moderate violence hinted at, although nothing very bloody or graphic is shown and some moderately strong cuss words are spoken but other than that, it isn't likely to offend. Due to this, its been given a 12 rating.

I felt myself thinking it really was quite a thought provoking film by the end, given the series of events that took place and what we may take away from it, what could be learnt (if anything) from what happened. Some may possibly feel its a little too preachy perhaps, at a push but I felt it was, for the most part, a relatively solid film.

Yes, I'd recommend this film for its character development and some impressive cinematography, plus the good musical score. It is really quite slow and a bit bland for the first half and the southern American accent may bother some potential viewers but if this doesn't especially bother you then I'd say its well worth a watch. It didn't interest me much at first but i found myself feeling surprisingly gripped to it towards the end and I felt it was relatively well made overall, although certainly not perfect. I'm not sure how memorable it is in the longer term but I'd certainly not say it was a bad film, so on that basis then yes, I'd recommend it.… Expand

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9

geewahAug 7, 2021

Career best performances from McCounaghey & Witherspoon in this gripping and engaging drama.
One of 2013's best movies.

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