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Take a classic 1940s film noir murder mystery and throw it into modern times, make it revolve around drugs and high school kids, add some awesome handheld camera cinematography, and you have 'Brick'. I thought the acting was completely stellar from everyone involved, although the teens seemed a lot more mature and intelligent than real teens found in today's high schools. I think it would've been a 10/10 film if it was set on college grounds instead of high school environment. That's only part that felt a bit unrealistic.
This film needs multiple viewing, almost like Memento or 21 Grams. The dialogue is overwhelming, lots of clues are around, and there's a lot of characters and motives flying around that it could be too much to fully absorb in one viewing. I watched it late at night, and had to shut it off half way, and re-watch at earlier time next day, as I felt I was missing too much of the plot (and I did miss a lot from the first night).
Overall, a solid 8/10, but I'll see how I feel after one or two more viewings (movie is such a thinking movie that it makes me want to see it again). But it will always be kept away from the 10/10 rating in my books because of the 'high school' aspect of it.
I also loved the subtle humor in some spots, such as the mother of the drug king pin giving everyone fresh juice while all his gang members are waiting at his house. It's funny coz it's true. Most drug dealers I knew acted like thugs but still lived in their mother's basement. :)
8/10
