#8 Mud

My name is MUDDDDDDDDDD. I said that for a good 3 weeks after seeing Mud. The biggest issue with this, that was never uttered in the entire film. I may have taken it from Arrested Development or from a place that I cannot quite thing of at this time.

He wears his shirt most of the movie. No really, It's a plot point.

This movie was the 2nd movie I saw on my journey and has stayed on top this long. It also was the start of fantastic child acting the entire year. Mud, Kings of Summer, Wadjda, Instructions Not Included, The Way, Way Back, and The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete all had fantastic acting from young actors.  

Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland play Ellis and Neckbone. Although they sound like they are a morning zoo radio show, they are middle schoolers in the Arkansas bay area. Ellis's parents are on the brink of a separation and Neckbone lives with his brother (Michael Shannon) who dives to bring up anything of value.

The kids look to find a rumored boat that was left up in a tree on a tiny island. This is where they discover Matthew McConaughey, with his shirt on, fishing and hiding from the cops. The boys make a deal with Mud, if they fix the boat they get to keep it as long as they get Mud to meet his girl. 

The movie has a concise story which keeps it from being an absolute classic. It moves back and forth between a thriller, action, and romance movie. It doesn't strike a perfect balance, but it is an excellent movie.

Mud is available on DVD.