Mud - With A Little Help From My Friends - Unhinged Reviews

12/24/2014

"Sure you can survive on your own, but it's always better with a few friends"
-Unhinged Reviews

"Mud" is a 2012 film written and directed by Jeff Nichols that has received much praise from the majority of viewers. The film casts Matthew McConaughey as "Mud" and his little helper, Ellis, who is played by Tye Sheridan.

This is one of those movies that gets "In Ya" for lack of a better term. The movie takes it's time developing each of the characters which allows "us" the viewers to bond emotionally with each member's plight.

"Mud" is a quality film and it's definitely one you have no reason not to catch since it's on Netflix. So with out further adieu, Let's Unhinge...

What's "Mud" About?

Well, "Mud" in a nutshell is about a man chasing the love of a woman whose neck-deep in trouble. You know the kind of woman that you shouldn't chase, but it's just too easy to get wrapped up in her drama. It's also a film about a young boy trying to understand the reasons that love doesn't keep two people together, mainly his parents.

The only reason Mud and Ellis meet in the first place is due to Ellis's exploration of a boat he and his friend Neck(Lofland) discovered on a dry spot in the river. It's their curiosity that even introduces the youngsters to the story of Mud, in the first place.

Mud befriends the two boys and explains his reasons for seemingly being marooned in the middle of the river. Ellis and Neck want to Mud, but again the situation is full of uncertainty with questions like, "Why is Mud living out here in the middle of nowhere?".

Maybe he's done a few bad things in his past to prompt his incognito way of life or maybe he's just a man struggling with love?

Like we said up above, "Mud" is a quality movie full of that southern McConaughey charm, along with a healthy dose of gunfire and Texas bounty hunters.

"Alright Alright", if you haven't seen Mud yet make it happen, you won't regret it.

Noteworthy Performances

McConaughey as you know is one of those actors that draws you in with his drawl. It's like he took a bath in some hushpuppy batter and danced across the skillet for an hour. He's simply adorable and he just seems so genuine in his performances.

One of the most interesting progressions in the film is the bond that slowly develops between Ellis and Mud as the film floats along the river-bend. In the beginning, Mud starts out as a self-serving guy willing to utilize any and every opportunity to improve his own situation without much compassion for the consequences others face. As the story moves on he is able to look past himself and see the bigger picture which makes for an entertaining watch.

Tye also brought some gravy to the gumbo, as a young co-star in his role of Ellis. Tye manages to capture the essence of a young boy learning about love because well, he is a young boy learning about love. It's always good when the casting dept. manages to grab actors at those critical moments in life to play roles that well, parallel their actual lives.

There are several other quality actors in the film that add to the overall satisfaction, but we'll allow you to discover those moments on your own ^_^

Afterthoughts On "Mud"

After watching, "Mud" it's easy to see why the movie has received so much praise. For one, it allowed McConaughey to bring out some of that indie spirit we knew he had tucked away in those lush locks of his. Plus, it was also good to see him break away from that lover boy image and get into some gritter roles.

So to put it plainly, "Mud" has teeth and Nichols did an excellent job of bringing a southern story to the masses with more than just a feel-good vibe. Enjoy...oh and the trailer is below.

-Unhinged Reviews-