By Sara Pintilie/entertainment editor

Brick (4.5 stars)

High school film noirs are nothing new, but the way Brick executes the noir theme is absolutely brilliant.

Brick, Rian Johnson’s directorial debut in 2006, throws together elements from classic movies in the genre, such as Chinatown and The Maltese Falcon.

The dialogue is slick while the urban backdrop is bleak, but the audience is engaged in the dark detective story from the first narrative.

After Brendan’s (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) ex-girlfriend, Emily (Emilie De Ravin) calls him desperate for help then disappears, he searches for Emily in the criminal underworld lurking at his school.

Brendan enlists the help of Brain (Matt O’Leary) and Kara (Meagan Good) as he tries to find Emily.

His search leads him to The Pin (Lukas Haas), a local drug pusher, and many other criminals.

Drugs, violence and a modern version of the classic femme fatale, Laura (Nora Zehetner), are all present in Brickbut the way these elements are utilized is what makes the movie pop.

The film keeps a witty sense of humor about it, but it never appears campy.

Brendan doesn’t have the suaveness usually present in the protagonist; in fact, Brendan dons glasses, curly locks and a boyish charm.

The taut and sleek mystery is well crafted—nothing in the film lags or confuses.

The cast is pitch perfect for this film.

Gordon-Levitt has always had the indie acting chops (Mysterious Skin, for example) but encompasses the vulnerability and tenacity of Brendan to a tee.

Brick is a great modern take on film noirs and a top-notch whodunit.