This is supposed to be a high-school noir, one in which a dogged teenage reporter digs into a juicy scandal at the heart of his school. Unfortunately, the film is a mishmash of good intentions and bad dialogue. This movie’s failure originates in the tonally inconsistent script. It’s never clear whether you’re watching a drama, a comedy or a romance, and it never scores enough points on any of those fronts to become worthwhile. Worst of all, “Assassintation of a High School President” is boring. The shocking scandal it revolves around is boring. The relationships are boring. The heavies are boring. Mischa Barton is preternaturally boring.

Rather than beat up on this failed high-school noir, I ‘d rather direct you to one that turned out much better. It’s called “Brick” and it’s been out on video for a few years now. Great performances, a real script and a bleak, airless view of high school life that is both over the top and genuinely true. Skip “Assasination” and rent “Brick.” You’ll thank me later. The redband trailer is below: