Brick

I almost feel like this movie is its own genre. It really doesn't work as a noir and it's also not really a coming of age story. But it works as an amalgamation of those two things. I think one thing that originally threw me off is that these are supposed to be highschool kids, but they talk like they're in Raymond Chandler novels. That tonal inconsistency between character and dialogue can be really off-putting sometimes. I don't think Meagan Good's acting is particularly appealing, for example. But, somehow, Joseph Gordon-Levitt does an absolutely amazing job with this role. I say "somehow" because JGL couldn't look less like Philip Marlowe/Humphery Bogart. But he makes up for it by always being metally sharp, an underrated aspect of classic noir detectives that often gets lost in that smoky, noir mood. On top of that, the characters are well written (with the exception of Megan Good's character, who I felt was too obviously evil and unlikable). The plot is shockingly complex, even by noir standards, as there are several factions (though... they totally wrote that creeper who chases JGL through the school out of the plot; it's the rare storytelling mistake that adds nothing to the plot here), and each one has a different agenda. I tell you.... if you're not paying attention, you'll miss who has beef with whom and why that guy wants to kill that girl, etc. Very complex. I enjoyed this one a lot upon second viewing.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 2 14 (2020)

I'm really impressed with this movie. I saw it when it was released in 2006 and I still consider this one of my favorites. The screenplay was beautifully written, the cinematography was perfect and don't even get me started in JG-L's acting. I loved that they used "High School drama" as the premise of this film. The movie might be slow but keep in mind it's a typical Noir detective story. It's not specifically for teenagers. In fact, I doubt many teenagers would enjoy movies like this. I find it satirical, witty and sincerely laughed out loud. I strongly encourage you to watch this movie—unless you're looking for an action movie in which case I don't.

While the plot was interesting enough the teen-center-of-the-universe world view was idiotic which was then topped off with a bizarre made-up language that nobody uses. It was a little quirky the first 10 minutes and then it just started grinding on me. By the end of the move I was just plain worn out trying to understand the words and why anyone not blasted on drugs would talk this way. Apparently just to annoy the audience. Maybe rent this if you can't find anything else or if you're trying to annoy yourself but really not a buy kind of movie.

This is a great mystery suspense movie!!! It is not an action movie. It has deep characters with the style of an old time black and white detective movie. It's a who done it with enough twists to keep you lost until the final scene. Great movie!!!

As if a teenager watched James Dean and low budget mafia movies and then decided to film a movie on his rich daddies budget.... I dont know how this film could have ever be made. It's so unbelievable and stupid that it bores me to death... Ouch!

I have watched this movie several times. It is a big hit with middle/high school kids. It is super cool and way diff then the high budget films they usually watch. Mafia kids with milk and cookies. You have to see it.

Bored the hell out of me.

Don't let the teen actors fool you: this film is suitable for adult audiences. It is a potent concoction of clever wordplay, nostalgic themes, and melancholic heart. *Brick* is appropriate viewing as a satisfying wind-down on a sleepless night or a sympathetic companion after a rough day. The more times that I see it, the richer the experience becomes. I highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys mystery, creativity, and the power of words. Of course, it also helps if you are willing to let directors take artistic license. For these teen characters are not really teenagers but rather props used to reshape noir. But unlike most films of this genre, *Brick* delivers unusually gratifying closure.

Blew my mind. Had to pause it and check myself back to reality. A total trip.