Carter & June

Carter & June is an American action-comedy film released in 2017. Directed by Nicholas Kalikow, the film stars Michael Raymond-James, Samaire Armstrong, and Timothy Omundson in the leading roles, supported by a talented cast that includes James Landry Hébert, Paul Rae, Lindsey Musil, and Will Beinbrink.

The movie is set in the heartland of New Orleans and takes the audience on a wild ride through the often hilarious, sometimes surreal underbelly of the city. The film is a tongue-in-cheek look at the characters living on the fringes of conventional society - featuring petty criminals, ruthless mobsters, and corrupt law enforcement, interacting in situations that would be utterly absurd, if not for how matter-of-factly they are presented. The tension between over-the-top humor and gritty crime scenes makes for a rollicking adventure, intriguing and entertaining in equal measure.

At the center of this chaotic whirlwind is Carter Jennings, played to perfection by Michael Raymond-James. Carter is a conman who isn't particularly good at his job. Despite this fact, he insists on living off risky, low-profit scams. One such botched attempt lands him in serious debt with ruthless mob boss Spencer Rabbit, a role portrayed by Mark Chavarria with a menacing edge that perfectly offsets his controlled demeanor.

To placify Spencer and pay off his debt, Carter takes on a high-stakes job - robbing a seedy strip club. But the plan is far from straightforward, as the not-so-brilliant conman is compelled to involve his ex-girlfriend, June O'Sullivan, played by Samaire Armstrong.

June is an exotic dancer with dreams that extend beyond the smoky darkness of a striptease bar. She is an aspirational character, trying to escape the mundane constrictions of her current life. Samaire Armstrong brings a raw authenticity to June's personality making her a memorable character who captures the audience's empathy.

Timothy Omundson plays another critical character - ‘Detective Joe’, a crooked cop with his own unique brand of morality. His interactions with Carter and June, as well as the other dubious characters, add another layer of intrigue to the movie. Other noteworthy performances include James Landry Hébert as Carter's arm-dealer buddy, Darla Whitman and Paul Rae as Spencer Rabbit's henchman.

The movie's core strength lies in its script and dialogue, which cleverly blend elements of crime, comedy, and Tarantino-esque irony. The dialogues sparkle with wit, and the humorous interactions between characters provide numerous laugh-out-loud moments. The storyline maintains a good pace, with each scene flowing naturally into the next, keeping the audience engaged throughout.

But it's not just the brilliant script that’s the lure of Carter & June - the film is visually striking, too. The filmmakers have utilized the vibrant New Orleans backdrop to its fullest. It beautifully captures the soul of the city - from shadowy strip clubs to the sunny, colorful streets, from melancholic cityscapes to the grimy underbelly, adding more vibrancy to the movie’s overall aesthetic.

Moreover, the film's soundtrack is loaded with a mix of country, blues, and rock´n’roll, perfectly complementing the narrative style, setting, and rhythm. This audio-visual spectacle, unified with the eccentric characters and witty dialogues, makes the movie a must-watch.

Despite being grounded in the crime genre, Carter & June is less a movie about crime and more about the characters involved in it. It is a character study of people who live on the fringes of society and deviate from the conventional path. The moral ambiguities, emotional complexities, and personal agendas that underscore each character's motivations are explored with a sensitivity that balances out the comedic aspects of the narrative.

In summary, Carter & June is an exhilarating joy ride, packed with action and humor. It is just as memorable for its colorful cast of characters, idiosyncratic plot, and vibrant setting. The performances of the lead actors, combined with the sharp script and quirky direction, make it an entertaining choice for those who enjoy crime capers with a comedic twist. From its opening scene to its finale, Carter & June never fails to keep audiences entertained, making it a truly worthwhile cinematic experience.