http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/brick/
80% from the cream of the crop. I dub this the gaf-hates-something-that-becomes-popular phenomenon.
Uh, when I saw the movie, it was getting fairly mixed reviews from people that had actually seen it. I generally don't trust critics.
And when have I
ever hated something because it was popular? Nobody actually likes or dislikes something because it is popular or well received. I disliked Brick because (number 1 reason) the dialogue was awful to the point of being jarring, (2) the plot was really thin despite machinations to make it appear better, (3) the acting was bad, but this may be a side effect of 1.
It also has length issues. It doesn't seem like it knows when it wants to end, and dings a car or two while trying to pull into the parking place. The movie also has some general suspension of disbelief issues, mainly in regards to 3rd Rock Kid's treatment by Shaft, although those issues would've disappeared had the movie not slavishly tried to imitate noir-ish dialogue.
So, bad dialogue, questionable acting, weak plot dragged on for far too long, doesn't know when to end (and then crashes during landing), unbelievability, and a few good camera shots. Really great movie there. I was intrigued by the idea of a High School Noir, but instead of focusing on the High School or Noir side of the coin, it tried to do both, and it failed. I'm almost certain this movie only has fans because it is unique and quirky, both of which aren't necessarilly good traits to those with refined palettes.