By Jan Hamilton
Rating: A+
With a fantastic cast and beautiful Arkansas river settings, this lovely, haunting film exceeds all expectations. When not attending to chores or other family duties, Ellis and Neck Bone, two young teen boys, are spending an ideal summer in their small boat on the river. The pace of their lives quickens when they meet the mysterious Mud (McConaughey). With charm and charisma he pulls them into his trouble, their help will put them in danger and at odds with the law. Sam Shepard and Michael Shannon are standouts in an already excellent cast, it’s nice to see Shannon playing a goofy guy.
This is a wonderful film, with mystery, suspense and real emotion.