This hard-boiled noir is the real deal.

All of it is such a throwback on so many levels (Charlie’s car, his clothes, his incessant use of pay phones) that you just go with it, no matter how many confusing twists and turns the conspiracy theory plot takes thanks to co-writers Stuhr and Ricker.

The American Side is a loving homage that should be of particular interest to film buffs who can play spot the references.

While The American Side may not quite achieve the classic thriller tone to which it aspires, it does create an enjoyably hard-boiled world.

If the self-consciousness can be charming, it also prevents The American Side from becoming fully its own film.