Brick is one of my favorite movies I’ve seen in months. It is a full-fledged grown-up hard-boiled noir, with just as much of its own universe and rules and jargon as any of the best of the classics. The Twin Peaksy high school spin gives it its own memorable flavor, but doesn’t cheapen it. I was a little worried at first that it was too dark and that was clashing with the weird adolescent charm, but it ultimately pays off to a brutal degree.
JGL is awesome. Hell, the entire cast is. The script pops with one great line after another, and it has just the right cadence of twists and betrayals and surprises to keep you breathless the whole time. The visuals are just as moody and striking and almost expressionistic as any great noir demands.
I need to watch it again to see if (and where) it ultimately falls in my personal pantheon, but I was completely smitten.
Is It Good?
Exceptionally Good (7/8)
Note: This review was originally published elsewhere. Please excuse brevity or inconsistencies in style. If you have questions or feedback, please leave a comment or contact me.
Dan is the founder and head critic of The Goods. Follow Dan on Letterboxd. Join the Discord for updates and discussion.