Brick
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Movie Reviews of Brick
Movie Review: Lives up to the hype
Summary: 5 Stars
In a way, I wasn't looking forward to watching this movie, because of all the hype surrounding it. And yet, it really delivered the goods. The script was fantastic, and the actors were as well. I suspect that most of them, who are by and large unknowns, will not be unknowns by this time next year. "Brick" delivers a classic film noir set in a different locale than the hardboiled dramas of mid-century past, without becoming too cutesy or precious about it.
"Brick" owes more than a little to "Twin Peaks," including the first scene of the movie (which will seem more than a little familiar to TP fans) and its overall atmosphere. "Brick" also tips its hat to "Blade Runner," another film noir reimagined in a different genre, with some Vangelis-ish music near the beginning that will remind you of the Rachel/Deckard scenes in that movie. Nevertheless, this is a really original movie that will appeal to anyone who likes a good story and a well-made film.
And yes, that is the woman who plays Claire in "Lost."
Movie Review: Noir For A New Generation
Summary: 5 Stars
Is Noir making a comeback? I mean there's been some really great Noir coming out in the last couple of years. Brick, which seems to be of the more classical style of Noir, but we've also had Sin City, and the upcoming Black Dahlia, along with Soderbergh's Good German.
When I first saw previews for this film I was entranced, the camera shots, style, jargon, and characters were spot on. Even when I began to realize from trailers that this was a high school Noir I didn't harbor any reservations. I don't quite know how to describe the genuis of the film, but it takes a somewhat novel if not seemingly misguided idea and twists it into one of the greatest Noir detective stories I've ever had the pleasure of viewing.
Not only that, but a seemingly incomprehensible story line is made so elementary that a grade schooler could follow it. There isn't much that isn't great about this movie, brilliantly over the top, and strategically layed out, this, in my opinion could be the best movie of 2006.
Movie Review: A great take on the hardboiled genre!
Summary: 5 Stars
Brick is a picture-perfect hardboiled detective story straight out of the tradition of Dashiell Hammett. The characters, the double-crosses, the shifting allegiances, all were pulled off spectacularly. The setting of the story around a high school student played nicely into the form by having the protagonist play fast and loose with the administration, local toughs, and a band of dealers who just completed a major sale while he tries to understand who killed an ex-girlfriend. The ONLY issue I have is that while the detective noir aspect of Brick is flawless, the characters were all too confident and played too well to type to really be convincing as high school students.
It also didn't hurt that there were little insider jokes referencing The Maltese Falcon, Miller's Crossing, and other great hardboiled movies.
And for the reviewer wondering what a "yegg" is: a tough guy, often an ex-boxer, slumming for a crime boss.
Very highly recomended.
Movie Review: One not to miss
Summary: 5 Stars
Who says you need mega-dollar actors, special effects, and elaborate sets to create a compelling story? Writer/Director Rian Johnson managed to complete Brick for under $450,000. The utter brilliance of this film makes it difficult to even write about it, and every time I watch it I'm more intrigued with the characters. Joseph Gordon-Levitt really carries the film with his character Brenden's fearless quick-wit and carefully crafted lines. The whole cast, however, works together so well and the chemistry is as such that the exchange is so quick you really have to pay attention to catch all the wit. Johnson created this tale in the tradition of classic hard boiled detective stories the likes of The Maltese Falcon (even quoting this film), but placing the events in a suburban Southern Californian high school, giving this a unique modern edge. I don't really know if I can write anymore about Brick, you'll just have to discover this gem yourself.Movie Review: A great parody/tribute
Summary: 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this movie and it grabbed me within the first few minutes. For the fan of film noir, this movie's archetypical charaters, dialogue, and pace will be familiar. Sometimes it may seem too over-the-top, but I saw this as being part of the parody. There's some negative reviews out there, and that's fine, but from a few that I read, it seems as though a lot of people weren't aware of the parodic stance of the film.
I will give this warning out to people who have yet to see "Brick": you cannot be a passive viewer. The dialogue is fast and littered with jive, the story takes a lot of turns, and the story has a pretty quick tempo. If you wait for it to come to you, you'll be left in the cold.
I feel slighted that this movie came and went and I did not know about it until the other day. I really, really enjoyed this one.