Mud (2013) Movie Review

In a time when the theaters are filled with superheroes and reboots of '60's SciFi shows, it's nice to catch a movie like Mud. Mud is a little bit out of place in the schedule because a movie of this caliber should be coming out towards the end of the year so that it can be a prime Oscar contender. Yet I'm not worried Mud will be overlooked because it simply can't be. The story about a pair of boys who find a mysterious man named mud living in a ship wreck on an island is reminiscent of both coming of age stories of old and Mark Twain. At its core this film is really about one boys understanding of love and relationships. The film has high caliber acting from its entire cast especially the main kid who really manages to carry the movie, something that I have never seen a kid actor do so well before. I reluctantly admit that Matthew McConaughey gives a good performance in the title role. I genuinely dislike him in almost everything he is in, but in this film I think he found a role that I don't hate him in and that may be the film's greatest achievement. This movie is really one that you have to see and then ponder something entirely different than the typical summer blockbuster. And yet Mud is also an entertaining film, knowing how to pull on all the right strings as well. Catch this film in the theater if you can as a welcome and wonderful break from the typical summer blockbuster 5/5!