- Joined
- Jul 3, 1997
- Messages
- 66,561
- Real Name
- Ronald Epstein
These days, there is rarely anything new showing theatrically or
on video that I pay particular attention to. After all, it seems Hollywood
is too busy churning out films that come from the same
cookie-cutter factory.
So, when I notice a "buzz" among critics and the online community
about a certain movie, I tend to pay attention. After all, I don't need
to be bombarded with special effects to be entertained --- all I want is
a story that I can be engrossed in, and remember long after the film is
over.
I don't know where I first heard about MUD. Perhaps it was a comment
made on this forum, or a review I had read in the paper. All I know is
that people were calling it the best film of the year. As I took some time
to read reviews from various critics, I found myself more compelled to
get my hands on a copy of this film to see it for myself.
Finally was able to nab a DVD screener. Wish I could have waited for
the Blu-ray, but I suppose I wanted to make certain I really liked this film.
I must admit, I was a little concerned that I may have gotten my expectations
up too high to go into this movie with an open mind.
I am happy to report that MUD not only met my expectations -- it
exceeded them.
....and I don't want to say much about this film other than that it's
a purely American coming-of-age drama in the vein of "Stand By Me"
with a nice chunk of thrilling drama mixed in.
What elevates this film to new levels is in part its masterful direction
by director Jeff Nichols (who grew up in Arkansas where the film takes
place) and a perfect cast of actors that include Matthew McConaughey,
Sam Shepard, Reese Witherspoon, and one of my favorite character actors,
Joe Don Baker. Fans of HBO's Boardwalk Empire will be pleased to find two
of its actors making an appearance in this feature in very different roles.
...but the real stars of this film are the teen actors, Tye Sheridan and
Jacob Lofland who carry this film and convey a sense of realism of what
it's like growing up as Arkansas river rats.
Wish I could talk about the quality of the Blu-ray release. I expect that it
will be exceptional. In fact, I have already preordered my copy despite
owning a DVD screener. This is a film that I plan to revisit again in high
definition to take in the film's beautiful cinematography.
When I so rarely enjoy a new film as much as this one, I want to talk
about it and encourage my fellow HTF members to see it as well. In fact,
I would put my neck out to encourage those of you who haven't seen MUD
to make a blind purchase of the Blu-ray.
You won't be disappointed.