“Mud” is the kind of movie people say Hollywood doesn’t make anymore:  low-key, character-driven and featuring a solid cast.  As a summer of bombastic blockbusters is about to bear down on us, it’s worth noting that there are still some decent American-made B-movies out there.

Set (and shot) along the banks of the Mississippi River in Arkansas, our story begins with two fourteen-year old boys, Ellis (Tye Sheridan, “The Tree of Life”) and Neckbone (newcomer Jacob Lofland), who’ve discovered a motor boat hung up in a tree on a small, wooded island.  But it turns out they’re not the only ones interested in the boat.  Also on the island is a tattooed, gun-toting stranger who calls himself Mud (Matthew McConaughey, never better).

I had such a great time last night! Here I am with Fran Seeley and Lisa Hachey at the Cancer Community Center in South Portland. Every year the Center honors its many volunteers and we were all on the guest list for the 2013 Recognition Reception. Read more.

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- "Parents are the most important factor in a teen's decision making," stated Jo Morrissey, a member of 21 Reasons, an organization dedicated to preventing underage drinking.  "We want parents to know that they are not alone and they are not the only parent who feels that way."

With prom and graduation season fast approaching, several substance abuse prevention coalitions in Cumberland County have joined forces to help parents keep their kids safe and sober.

"Our five substance abuse prevention coalitions have had to develop a campaign centered on one simple goal, to increase parents' comfort to reach out and talk to each other about what can be sensitive and awkward - teen substance abuse," Morrissey explained.