"Mud" is a coming-of-age drama set in a community in Arkansas along the Mississippi River. Teenage boys Ellis and Neckbone live along the river and discover a seemingly deserted island where a boat is stuck in the trees. The boys sneak off to the island and are exploring the boat when they discover that there is someone else on the island. That someone turns out to be Mud (Matthew McConaughey), who tells the boys he is waiting for someone and staying on the island temporarily. The boys are unsure of him but begin to bring him food and supplies. Mud tells the boys he is waiting for his true love, Juniper (Reese Witherspoon) but the truth is that Mud is a fugitive wanted for killing a man who hurt Juniper and she is on her way to reunite with Mud and run away with him. Ellis and Neckbone proceed to help Mud, even delivering messages to Juniper when she shows up in town, though the situation becomes dangerous when not only the police but dangerous men related to the man Mud killed are trying to avenge the murder.
This film is very reminiscent of Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Fin. We have two young boys living on the river, having adventures, and attempting to grow up. I really liked the setting and the obvious comparison to Twain's characters. I also thought the two actors playing Ellis and Neckbone (Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland) did a great job. Their chemistry with McConaughey is really good. McConaughey is very good here as Mud as he sells the audience on this mysterious, lovable guy who just so happens to have murdered someone over a girl. He's the bad guy who's not so bad and the audience can see why the boys trust him.
Overall, I think this film is a winner in terms of story, acting, and just an original take on that familiar coming-of-age storyline. Even the obvious Twain-influence doesn't feel overdone or old. Rent this one - A-.
Oh yes, really liked this one. Before this, was ambivalent about McConaughey but he won me over with this particular performance. Wonderful movie.
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