The one thing that Jeff is really good at is writing interesting characters. These are people who have traits which are revealed slowly over the coarse of the film so that you are kept interested. The story that brings these characters together is pretty clichéd and typical but it is how these characters react to that situation that makes it fascinating. For the softy like me there is the romantic aspect which keeps me interested. There are a few twists which keep you interested as well. We are not always sure why Mud is hiding and why he is hiding where he is. But the information is slowly revealed over the coarse of the film. The parallel story of young Ellis who helps out Mud is great as well. The struggles he is going through with his family are very well handled and do not come across as clichéd as these stories can be. The only drawback with the film for me is the length. It felt a bit too long and could have been trimmed by about 20mins.
Something has happened to Matthew McConaughey. He's learnt how to act. His choice of role has a lot to do with it but he just keeps getting better and better. He is fast becoming one of those actors who cannot give a bad performance. I'm sure many would not have said that 10 years ago. I am very surprised to see Reese Witherspoon in a film like this. I usually expect her to be the lead in big studio films and not taking small roles in independent films. She is excellent in the role. The real star of the film is the young Tye Sheridan as Ellis. He is brilliant and just about steals the move from his more experienced co-stars. Sarah Polson and Sam Shepard are also excellent in their small roles.
A great film with a great cast and great characters who keep you interested for the whole film.
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