Every critic out there has been talking about the recent transformation of Matthew McConaughey. On the heels of Bernie, Killer Joe and Magic Mike, McConaughey steps out front and center of Mud, the latest film from Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter), and presents the strongest argument yet to make us forget his days as the sexiest man alive. No longer content merely charming audiences while sleepwalking through romantic comedies, McConaughey projects real presence. His Mud is a fugitive befriended by a pair of young boys eager for adventure, but despite a coming-of-age angle, the film revolves around McConaughey’s broken smile and slow-burning Southern hunger. Now open at Esquire Theatre and AMC Newport on the Levee. (PG-13) Grade: B+
This article appears in Apr 17-23, 2013.