Critics have been stunned by Matthew Mcconaughey's performance in Dallas Buyers Club, which has been the central focus of reviews about the upcoming film.

Dallas Buyers Club
Jared Leto and Matthew McConaughey in Dallas Buyers Club.

Matthew McConaughey stars in Dallas Buyers Club as HIV positive Texas Cowboy, Ron Woodroof. The film is based on the true story of Woodroof and the early days of the AIDS epidemic. When Woodroof was diagnosed with HIV he was given 30 days to live and, receiving little help from the government or his acquaintances, attempts to find treatments from across the globe. Along the way he encounters other HIV positive people and discovers a way to ensure these people could buy treatment. 

Jared Leto and Jennifer Garner support McConaughey, as Rayon and Dr. Eve Saks. Yet these two fine actors are far outshined by McConaughey's performance which has been hailed as "the performance of his career," as Ann Hornaday of the Washington Post describes. 

The 44-year-old actor is frequently criticised for appearing in second rate comedies and having little acting ability. This is something a number of critics have pointed out, with many commenting on how McConaughey has proved he has more depth than expected. Claudia Puig, of USA Today, referred to this by writing: "McConaughey proves he has evolved from a handsome lightweight to one of the most talented, risk-taking actors in Hollywood."

Leto's performance has also been praised as being "Oscar worthy" by Betsy Sharkey of the Los Angeles Times. Overall, the film in general has been hailed as a possible Oscar nominee and winner.

Dallas Buyers Club
Matthew McConaughey stars in Dallas Buyers Club.

McConaughey and Leto both lost a considerable amount of weight in order to play their roles as HIV patients. This dedication to the role ensures they not only act but look the part. McConaughey turned to Tom Hanks, who starred as a HIV positive man in Philadelphia, for advice on how to lose a considerable amount of weight for the role and some of Tom's acting chops may have rubbed off on McConaughey too. 

The film's content and story have also been highly praised. Not only does the film deal with the AIDS epidemic head on, it also acts as "a fascinating look at an underground economy and the politics of medicine," according to the Chicago Tribune's critic, J.R, Jones. However, others have described the plot as being somewhat clichéd and "conventional" (A.O. Scott, The New York Times).

Watch the movie trailer for Dallas Buyers Club:

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Overall, the general consensus has been that the film is powerful, touching and with a stellar cast. Dallas Buyers Club may not be ground breaking in its dealing of the AIDS epidemic, yet it is with regards to the presentation of medical activism. 

Dallas Buyers Club is out in the US now. Cinema goers in the UK will have to wait until 7 February 2014.

Dallas Buyers Club
McConaughey with Jennifer Garner as Dr Eve Saks.