Mud

Actors:  Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland, Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Sam Shepard, Michael Shannon
Rating: 9 out of 10, A story about two Arkansas redneck kids living on the river and helping a fugitive they find in a boat stranded atop a tree doesn’t sound like the premise for a great movie.  It is.  This is due in large part to the completely authentic performances of all the actors but especially the young actors, led by Sheridan as Ellis, an oversexed 14 year old with a hair trigger right cross and a belief in true love.  He alongside his partner, Neckbone (I’m not kidding) help McConaghey figure out how to remove his “lucky” shirt – a cool inside joke.  A great look at a seldom seen underside of America where honor and love are just as important; maybe more so.  A great movie.
MVP:  Sheridan as Ellis, more than willing to fight well above his weight