"A detective story."

Brick (2005)
Directed by Rian Johnson, rated R, 110 minutes

Brick is a moody and intriguing independent film about a teenage loner who must investigate the underworld of his high school to find out what happened to his missing ex-girlfriend. The film is heavily inspired by hardboiled detective and noir stories, but keeps things fresh by placing it in a high school. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is always spot on, and he's perfect as the strange and tough investigator. The film keeps a dark sense of humor and a myriad of colorful characters, which make Brick a gripping and effective mystery. You'll like it if: You like detective stories, independent film, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Alpha Dog, Grosse Pointe Blank or Blood Simple.