Pardon moi French, but BRICK is like that - a hit from some good reel-dope.

A throwback to the days of mystery films Sam Spade/Mike Hammer style, but by way of David Mamet (as in dialogues). Unthinkable? Now try setting that modern-noir on a high school campus. Sounds bizarre? Director Rian Johnson does that quite admirably, thank you very much.

A Sundance Special Jury prize winner For Originality Of Vision, BRICK is already garnering a cult following owing to it’s unique style.

Film opens with Brendan (Joseph Gordon Levitt - 3rd Rock From the Sun) staring at the lifeless body of his ex-girlfriend Emily lying near an abandoned creek. Flashback 2 days ago when he had received an incomprehensible call for help that was smattered with some colloquial slangs. She’s in bad company, and Brendan makes his wish to locate Emily known amongst the elitist high schoolers. He locates her and she puts his fears to rest. Next day - she’s found dead.

Brendan decides to awaken all the sleeping dogs in the vicinty, no matter the risks. For this he has to get himself ingratiated in some bad company, and climb up the ranks to win the trust of a high-school urban legend called the Pin (Lukas Haas) whose presence is omnipotent but few have seen him. Obstacles in the form of general intimidation, pummeled fists, hired hits, cops and the Vice Principal descend upon the unshakeable sleuth.

A majority of the credit undoubtedly goes to the director who meshes the varied styles flawlessly. Music, cinematography, art deco, costumes and editing are uniformly supportive of the director’s vision. And lastly, the leads stand upto the task, and deliver admirably, especially Lukas Haas as the crippled Pin who steals the show just by his mere presence.

For viewers who like their mysteries not set to some hyper-kinetic soundtrack and Tony Scott-ish set up, BRICK can promise you that and more. For those of you suffering from ADHD, fuggeabout it!

MPAA Rating: R for sexuality, language and some drug use.

Duration: 117 mins.

Cast: Joseph Gordon Levitt, Lukas Haas, Nora Zehetner

Director: Rian Johnson