I am astounded at the fawning praise this insubstantial movie has garnered. It was apparently an "expansion" of a short film made by the director some years earlier; all I can say is that he can't have added much plot, character development or action, for this film has little if any of those things.Don't get me wrong, I enjoy nicely crafted films which explore the human condition, but this isn't one of those. Nothing of much substance happens. It may have been an excellent short movie; it should have stayed one.

Having grown up in New York State, my "coming of age" and "out of the closet" was quite an experience. While my experience wasn't necessarily an easy one, after seeing this movie, it angers me to think that there are other gay men (and women) who are (or have) had to endure the pain, bigotry and humiliation that the main character did. This movie gave me a completely new perspective on how society has been a complete and utter failure to so many people. I wish I had the resources to help out everyone in need who is going through what "Duncan" is/has gone through. Life wasn't meant to be so painful, lonely and empty - and after watching this flick, I have no idea how the "Heartland" got its name... These so called "Church going" bigots and "good old boys" are more of an abomination than any of the worst sins that I can think of, and some day these bottom feeders will face their maker, for the hell they put so many innocent people through.Truly a heartbreaking film that will open your eyes, and one that you will never forget.

The Mudge Boy tells the story of Duncan Mudge quietly played by Emile Hirsch. While his father struggles to maintain their small farm and hold their fragile relationship together, the boy deals with the loss of his mother whom he loved dearly. After his mother dies, the boy struggles to develop an uneasy alliance with his father and a close friendship with his friend Perry, who himself endures mounting physical abuse at home and a troubling bisexual personality. Unable to bond with teen friends, Duncan develops a deep kinship with his pet chickens. This in turn spurs jeers and harsh ridicule from his peers. The film depicts the unstable friendship of Duncan and Perry as the younger boy is drawn towards and is fascinated with the older boy's sexual promiscuity which results in an unexpected rape. Despite the tragedy the boy and his father deal with, the end result is one of enduring parental love and understanding. A fine film for those seeking a movie with heart. ***

It's always difficult to watch a film where we know more about the protagonist than he (or she) knows about himself. That's the case here: it's obvious to us viewers from fairly early on that Duncan Mudge has some significant homoerotic attractions. When he would turn out to be "gay" or not when his adolescence is over we don't know, and it's really irrelevant (except that he seems a little on the old side for still being in that sexually indeterminate stage). What we are asked to deal with is a sensitive young man in a particularly insensitive corner of a culture that is becoming more and more callous to the inner lives of young people by the day. We're not told exactly when the action takes place, but we have to assume it's pre-Internet; otherwise we'd fault the character for not reaching out that way. In any case, Emile Hirsch does a fine job with a difficult role, and leaves us wounded on his behalf, but not without hope that the whole experience will in the long run have made him, and perhaps us as well, a better human being.