2006 / Rian Johnson > Impressive is Johnson’s ability to supplant the world of old noir-like films (a la The Maltese Falcon or North by Northwest) into a modern-day, high school setting. The dialogue is supercrisp to the point where it took me a minute to adjust to its speed and complexity. Joseph Gordon-Levitt continues to impress, following up his tremendous performance in Myterious Skin. While the setup is solid, the execution flounders at times due to somewhat lack of proper pacing. Overall, the film is still a treat even if it taxes your interest here and then.