Mud is a coming of age thriller about two 14 year old boys, Ellis and Neckbone, in Mississippi who meet a mysterious man on an island. The film is reminiscent of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn and even tips its hat to those books with McConaughey's character Mud having a cross nailed into his boot heels like Pap Finn.
The film follows the two friends the summer before they enter high school. They hear about a boat stuck in a tree on an island and they go to investigate. On the island they meet Mud, a drifter, living on the island who they befriend and help. Although the film is titled Mud its more about this particular summer in Ellis's life and to a lesser extent in Neckbone's as well.
Ellis's parents are going through a separation and Ellis sees Mud as a father figure, someone to look up to. Mud is hiding on the island in hopes of reuniting with his high school sweetheart although it's unclear why exactly he needs to hide out.
The film unfolds in a blend of emotion and excitement. The friendship of Ellis and Neckbone is real and engaging and McConaughey as Mud puts in his best performance since A Time To Kill. The film has a substantial and amazing supporting cast which fills out the world which jumps off the screen. It's unfortunate though because the supporting characters only get so much screen time.
Mud is a vibrant, touching, film about growing up and adventuring out into the unknown.
See It.
The entire cast returns but are given substantially less to do, it's a waste to have such a great ensemble pigeoning their previous performances. There are a few great moments between Kirk and Spock but they are few and far between. Benedict Cumberbatch is a great addition to the cast but he too is underutilized.
I was entertained while in the theater but didn't give it a second thought after.
Rent It.
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