Our first look at Matthew McConaughey’s latest, The Free State of Jones

Following years of mediocre romantic comedies Matthew McConaughey finally proved what we knew all along; that he could do better. KILLER JOE, MUD, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, THE WOLF OF WALL STREET; suddenly the native Texan was showing himself to be the best part of these films.

The rise of Matthew McConaughey (I refuse to use "McConaissance") continues with this first look at his latest film, THE FREE STATE OF JONES directed by Gary Ross. The film also stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Keri Russell, and Mahershala Ali.

Here's the synopsis:

Set during the Civil War, The Free State of Jones tells the story of defiant Southern farmer Newt Knight, and his extraordinary armed rebellion against the Confederacy. Banding together with other small farmers, and with the assistance of local slaves, Knight launched an uprising that led Jones County, Mississippi to secede from the Confederacy, creating a Free State of Jones. His marriage to a former slave, Rachel, and his subsequent establishment of a mixed race community was unique in the post-war South. Knight continued his struggle into Reconstruction, which distinguished him as a compelling, if controversial, figure of defiance long beyond the War.

I’m a sucker for historical war films as well as for Matthew McConaughey, but aside from those obvious draws the true story behind Newt Knight isn't something I'm familiar with, so I'm looking froward to learning more about the man. That's the great thing about movies, especially those based on true stories, they force you to go out and learn more about the subject they portray. Always be learning kids!

The McConaissance (dammit Kevin) will hopefully continue once THE FREE STATE OF JONES hits theaters on March 11, 2016.