Mud

A Film We Owe A Lot To

Director: Jeff Nichols
Release Date: 2013
Rating: 15
Running Time: 120 mins
Genre: Drama/Adventure
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Tye Sherridan, Reese Witherspoon

What is it about Matthew McConaughey that makes him so instantly likeable? And why is it only now that we've realised the potential that this actor has? Before Nolan shot him across Galaxies in Interstellar, before the Texan was shipping and selling HIV medication in Dallas Buyers Club, before we were hung in pure suspense by his haunting acting in True Detective, we were given Mud. This is potentially the film that started The McConaissanse and all I want to know is through all the rom-coms, mediocre comedy adventures and Tropic Thunder, where did this array of unique and enigmatic performances arise from? Though the man himself may argue it was God who gave him the opportunity, you can look at this success and see that McConaughey was finally blessed with the good writing an actor liked him deserved, allowing him to show the world his true potential.

In Mud we begin with two boys headed downstream of the Mississippi River to find a mysterious boat suspended high in the trees, seeking adventure the two boys more the boat ashore and search for answers only to find that they aren't the first people to come across this boat and it's on the shore that they meet the mysterious man who goes by the name of Mud (McConaughey). Though we don't know much about Muds character this earlier it's plainly obvious that this mysterious character no matter how dark or elusive, is going to be someone we can't help but like. As the situation begins growing more and more volatile we realise more about Mud's past and perhaps how much he's going to need the two boys help in surviving the events to come.

It's a story that takes place almost entirely in the outdoors of DeWitt, Arkansas and through the two boys alongside this strange man they come across, it does feel like we're taken on a real adventure. The film has an underlying theme of futility and darkness to it, but it's also a story of love, growing up, coming of age, and most of all for me, friendship. Tied in with the amazing cinematography capturing the natural beauty of this state and a soundtrack that manages to tie together all the films themes, Mud is created to be a film that will take you on an adventure through the eyes of two young boys. You're shown the beauty of where they're living and the incredible journey they set out on, to help one man because they feel it's right. 

It's fair to say that movie lovers will owe this film a great deal for giving us one of Hollywood's most contemporary treasured actors so far in this decade and a film that makes you see the world once again through the innocence of a young teenager on the cusp of adulthood. Fantastically written and acted and shot, Mud is a film not just for the McConaughey fans.

8/10

Begin Again

Music Has Never Felt So Good

Director: John Carney
Release Date: 2014
Rating: 15
Running Time: 105 mins
Genre: Comedy/Music
Actors: Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightly, Adam Levine, James Cordon

It's often a treat when you sit down to watch a film that you put on to kill time and it turns out to be an instant favourite. Begin Again is a an easy to watch, light hearted and most of all feel good film that will fill you a huge sense of  love for these characters all on the path to turning their lives around and getting somewhere with the talents they have. You'll be able to, as it all comes together, feel, see and hear the ambition and passion that went into making it. 

You can see so crystal clearly how much music can influence and uplift peoples moods. When it's just you and the music, troubles can be instantly forgotten and moods straight away lifted. The film has a real raw uniqueness to it, you're able to see: the struggles, the ambition, and the happiness from what this team of musicians are achieving, that really comes out in the cinematography, giving the film an edge of 'realness'. It shows how easy you can make life when you're driven and motivated to make something great, which is shown when Mark Ruffalo and Keira Knightly take to the streets with a small group of talented musicians and a low budget recording system to do what they do best, make music.

It's a film tied together through friendship, love, music and of course a fresh start. Needless to  say that a key ingredient to make this happen is a cast of likeable and faces to carry the message through, and its easy to see that John Carney managed to get this just right. The film was able to offer up a whole bunch particularly great yet different actors to get the diversity of relationships that intertwine in this rom-com. Keira Knightly proved herself not only as an actor but also as a very unlikely yet incredible singer, writing music to help get over the problems that have taken over her life. Mark Ruffalo remains the king of on-screen coolness in his role as the passionate music producer on the road to turning his life around with his wife, daughter, job and love of music. And though still fairly new to the scene, James Cordon can be seen rising through the Hollywood ranks offering a humorous edge with an instantly lovable performance as the busking Brit who like so many, is trying to make it in New York City.

Though all the characters have their baggage, its clear that when the music takes over and they work in unison all is soon forgotten and gradually you see the problems begin to fade away. It's a film with plenty inside and will surely make you feel something. With light hearted humour and fantastically written and Oscar nominated soundtrack, you can't help but enjoy this film. If you're looking for light comedy and in need of uplifting, you can't get more perfect that Begin Again.

8/10