Mud

          Mud is the story of two young boys (Tye Sheridan as Ellis and Jacob Lofland as Neckbone) who befriend and help a homeless and crazy-in-love man (Matthew McConaughey as Mud). They bring him food and supplies to try to get an abandoned boat running, and they deliver messages from Mud to his girlfriend (Reese Witherspoon as Juniper). Meanwhile Ellis deals with his parents splitting up while Neckbone lives with his player uncle. Ellis scores a bit of romance, in an unusual manner. The acting is top-notch, with breakout performances by the two boys, who are hysterical with their redneck accents. They talk about such mature things that it's hard to take them seriously, but when you are supposed to take them seriously, they deliver. The boys' relationship with Mud, especially that of Ellis, is interesting to watch develop. McConaughey gives easily one of the best performances of the year so far, making the possibilities of this year's Academy Award nominations start to whirl around in my head. It's been another good year for indies thus far.

          The ending put my brain in a bit of a tangle, not because it's unusual, but because it takes awhile to make sense out of why it was chosen in this case. I just didn't think it matched up with Mud's character, but then again, we never really find out who he is. Go see this film and let me know what you think! Comment below, email me, or tweet me!