Brick (2005)

Film noir is possibly the least understood, least produced genre of film out there, and with good reason—it's a genre that lends itself perfectly to self-parody. Brick manages to be a triumph of storytelling, of character, and even self-awareness. Following one teen's search for an ex-girlfriend's killer through the caste system inherent in any high school, the tale woven is deep with twists and heavy with carefully constructed conspiracy. Like any good film noir, you get your tough-to-trust femme fatale, a troubled lead expertly played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and a deeply integrated style of overwrought dialogue that manages to create a world all its own. But on the other hand, setting a murder mystery in a high school turns almost into a parody of itself. If anything, the age and setting take away from the experience. The film does such a good job at portraying a compelling narrative that the immersion is occasionally broken when you remember these are all kids. Still, as an example of smartly effective, layered filmmaking, any shortcomings can easily be overlooked. The story here is just too damn good.

9 out of 10.

Note: If you'd like to put together a great double-feature, watch this, then follow it up with The Lookout. Both star Joseph Gordon-Levitt, both have a similar tone, and both are absolutely fantastic films.