Mud - B

Rated PG-13, 131 minutes

"Mud" is a plodding but affecting coming-of-age story

Matthew McConaughey

"Mud" continues the creative reemergence of Matthew McConaughey in an overlong yet well-acted, sensitive contemporary coming-of-age story set in the South. McConaughey plays the title role, a fugitive living on an island in rural Arkansas, who befriends two young teenage boys Ellis and Neckbone (newcomers Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland, respectively). The two boys are reluctant and unsure of Mud's travails yet are eventually drawn into a tale of love and crime as they try to reunite Mud with his soul mate Juniper (Reese Witherspoon) which help them learn about what is most important in life. Directed and written by Jeff Nichols (2011's underrated thriller "Take Shelter"), "Mud" is an emotionally satisfying story that is helped by Nichols sure direction and the steady performances of McConaughey and the boys. The sluggishness of the second act is problematic, and some themes are touched upon and never fully explored, particularly the relationship between McConaughey and Witherspoon's characters (and those expecting chemistry from the two will be disappointed, though they play romantic partners they're never onscreen together), but overall it's a masterful look at two boys who learn life's lessons the hard way. Sheridan, in only his second film, is particularly good, and Lofland, in his feature film debut, steals some scenes from McConaughey, in a remarkably low-key but moving turn that shows his growth as an actor. Nichols should also have a solid future in films if he continues on a steady course such as this. "Mud" is a well-acted, entertaining and often thoughtful coming-of-age film that's worth your time.

Wes's Grade: B