Ellis and Neckbone are two Arkansas 14-year-olds living up a tributary of the Mississippi. Early one morning, they pilot their little motorboat to an empty island out on the big river, where they encounter a mysterious stranger named Mud (Matthew McConaughey) who is hiding from the law. Adventure, danger, and formative coming-of-age moments ensue. Despite a few contrived moments, Mud gets a lot right. At its heart, it’s a sad, sweet story about growing up and discovering that adults don’t hold all the answers. (NED LANNAMANN)