Brick (2006)

What you've heard is true -- it's a '40s-style noir set in the present-day with high schoolers. Brick, however, transcends the gimmick.

Every one of the characters conceals motives and emotions and are able to do so naturally. It never feels as though there's any winking at the camera; no sense that these are kids playacting as grown-ups. It's interesting to note that the one girl who was unable to conceal her feelings -- who so obviously needed to be accepted, is the one whose death kicks off the story.

I'm sure that, for a lot of viewers, the style will get in the way of rather than enhance the narrative and that's a real shame. This is a quality story that dares to try something different. I think it succeeds amazingly well.

A-