5 reasons you need to see 'Mud' this weekend

5 reasons you need to see 'Mud' this weekend


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SALT LAKE CITY — A couple of big films are opening this weekend like the action comedy "Pain & Gain," which is based on an insane true story, and the romantic-ensemble comedy "The Big Wedding" which stars Susan Sarandon, Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, Katherine Heigl and Topher Grace, to name a few.

One film that's also opening this weekend doesn't have the big budget or the huge marketing behind it, but it is the one film you should go see this weekend if you head out to the theater.

Actually, it's the one film that should get you to go out to the theater this weekend.

Not many people have heard of the Sundance film "Mud" which is unfortunate, because it's one of the best films of 2013 so far.

The understated drama/thriller stars Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon,Michael Shannon, Sam Shepard and a teenager named Tye Sheridan who steals the show.

Here are 5 reasons why "Mud" should be the movie you choose to go see this weekend.

Tye Sheridan in "Mud"
Tye Sheridan in "Mud"

Tye Sheridan

The movie centers on two young boys who find a drifter named Mud, McConaughey, on a river island outside a small Arkansas town. The boys strike up a relationship with Mud and start helping the charismatic loner who they soon learn is also a fugitive.

Tye Sheridan is the main character of the film and he absolutely steals nearly every scene he's in.

The young Sheridan goes toe to toe with McConaughey, Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon, Academy Award nominee Sam Shepard and Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon throughout the film and he doesn't just hold his own, he demands your attention.

Sheridan will soon become a Hollywood darling and you'll remember when you first saw him in "Mud."

Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey in "Mud"
Matthew McConaughey in "Mud"

These days Matthew McConaughey's name isn't exactly synonymous with "great performances."

Considering the last several years of his career have been filled with regrettable roles in films like "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past" and "Failure to Launch" his track record isn't looking great. Sorry if I offended anyone there, but these are not great films.

Lately, however, McConaughey is picking some really solid roles in films like "The Lincoln Lawyer" and "Bernie" and totally knocking it out of the park. In "Mud" McConaughey turns in what will be argued as the best performance of his career.

Mud is a sweet southerner who has a short fuse and big heart, both of which constantly get him into trouble. McConaughey's interaction with Sheridan and Shepard are pinpoint and mesmerizing. If you've never been a McConaughey fan, see "Mud" and you'll jump on the bandwagon.

This is a career-defining role.

5 reasons you need to see 'Mud' this weekend

Story

If you have read my articles and reviews over time you know I am a sucker for a great story and "Mud" is a rich and poignant look at youth, love and heartbreak.

The script crafted by Jeff Nichols is both slow burn and fast-paced. I know that makes no sense, but the pacing manages to get your heart pounding while the story unravels like a ball of yarn slowly rolling down the hall.

Each scene reveals a little bit more of the intricate and layered story and we soon realize that there is much more going on than what's on the surface.

"Mud" is listed as an drama, but to leave it there would be a mistake. The film is a romance, a comedy, an adventure, a coming of age story and a family drama all wrapped up in a slow-burn thriller.

We may only be four months into 2013, but so far "Mud" is the most complete, entertaining and thought-provoking film of the year, and much of that is due to its tight and rich story.

5 reasons you need to see 'Mud' this weekend

Fresh and Original

We're just a few weeks away from the summer onslaught of blockbuster movies and while many of them look incredibly entertaining they are all something we've seen before.

In May alone we have an adaptation of a comic book that's also a sequel, the third adaptation of a book, the sequel to a TV adaptation and the sixth installment of a tired franchise.

"Mud" is an original film that is fresh and new. It has new storylines that aren't worn and tattered and new characters we've never met that are written and acted so well that we fall in love with them in just a couple of hours.

It's The Best Thing Coming Out This Week

This may be me jumping to conclusions considering I haven't seen "Pain & Gain" or "The Big Wedding" yet, but I am confident in saying "Mud" is the best film opening this weekend.

A place to start is the fact that "Pain & Gain" is sporting a 48 percent on Rotten Tomatoes at the moment and "The Big Wedding" is boasting a pitiful three percent. "Mud," on the other hand, is sitting at 97 percent and there's a reason, it's a fantastic film.

5 reasons you need to see 'Mud' this weekend

With "The Big Wedding" you know exactly what you're getting, not much. With "Pain & Gain" you're likely getting a very entertaining film, but you're also getting a fistful of language, sex and over-the-top violence. Again, I have not seen "Pain & Gain" yet, but I have read the article the film is based off and while it is entertaining and fascinating it is dark and disturbing.

"Mud" is just a down right good movie that's acted well, told beautifully and will stick with you for days after viewing it.

Now that I've told you that you need to go see "Mud" it may be a little difficult to do it. The film is only a limited release, meaning it's not going to be in theaters everywhere.

I have searched high and low and only found three theaters that will be showing it this weekend and all three are in the Salt Lake area.

The Megaplex at Jordon Commons in Sandy, Century 16 in Salt Lake and the Broadway Centre Cinemas in Downtown Salt Lake are the only three theaters I found playing "Mud." If you find others please pass them along.

"Mud" is rated PG-13 for some violence and mild language.

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John Clyde

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