Mud (2013) - 5 stars out of 10

Mud (2013) - 5 stars out of 10

The critics loved "Mud" but I didn't.  While it exceeds the expectations of a Matthew McConaughey film, it is still completely unmemorable.  The story itself is fine, exploring the mysterious back rivers of Mississippi.  As a coming-of-age film, it succeeds in teaching two young boys some important lessons about growing up; and yet, there isn't much to latch on to.  None of the characters are particularly likable.  The actors masterfully deliver their lines with a southern drawl but it doesn't matter much if we don't like their characters.  Reese Witherspoon was particularly disappointing.  You could tell that she was trying to put a lot of heart into it but with her character receiving so little screen time and this being so far off of the roles that have brought her success, this one won't be making her highlight reel.  McConaughey isn't terrible but he isn't much better than "average."  The real reason to watch this film is for the strong performance by Tye Sheridan as Ellis, carrying the film on his shoulders with realistic acting and line delivery.  As far as its marketability as "a film that families can watch together," I think that there is far too much strong language for most parents to comfortably watch this with their children.  There isn't really anything wrong with "Mud."  It tells a fairly interesting story but I wouldn't see it again or really recommend it to anybody else.