Entangled in his past. Running from the law. All for love.

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland, Sam Shepard, Ray McKinnon, Sarah Paulson, Michael Shannon, Joe Don Baker, Paul Sparks, Bonnie Sturdivant, Stuart Greer

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"There are fierce powers at work in the world, boys. Good, evil, poor luck, best luck. As men, we've got to take advantage where we can." - Mud

Why watch this? McConaughey's down-home portrayal is unforgettable.

Plot Summary: Two young boys exploring a remote island encounter Mud, a mysterious fugitive with a dangerous past. The runaway charms the teenagers with tales of true love and asks for their help to escape bounty hunters and reunite with his girlfriend. As they assist him, the boys are forced to confront the complicated truths of the adult world and test their own perceptions of love and morality.

Dad's Preview: This character-driven Southern story takes us to the labyrinth of creeks and bogs that is the Big Muddy. It follows two teen boys (wonderfully played by Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland) who happen upon a deserted boat that just so happens to have a mysterious vagrant living within. The loner is Mud, a charismatic fellow who talks about lost love and his inability to return to normal life. There is a romance to this film and it harkens back to delta stories like Mark Twain's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. There's just enough danger to keep it engrossing, yet this movie avoids delving into sappiness.

Everest Entertainment, Brace Cove Productions, FilmNation Ent.;
Lionsgate, Roadside Attractions