Limitless Review

                                                      2 1/2 Nuts!

Director: Neil Burger

What would you do if you could access 100% of your brain? This is the question presented in the new action/thriller Limitless, starring Bradley Cooper. Cooper plays Eddie Morra, a struggling writer who can’t seem to get a jumpstart on his next book.  His girlfriend breaks up with him and nothing seems to be working out. Only when he runs into his ex-wife’s brother does his fortune change.  His former brother-in-law gives him a new pill that allows him to access all of his brain power. The pill changes everything.  Eddie writes his book in a matter of days and is then off to bigger and better things. Along this path he meets up with Carl Van Loom, played by Robert DeNiro, a big time investor who serves as a mentor for Morra throughout the movie.

The first half of this movie is stronger than the second half.  It’s a fairly original premise and it turns out to be quite enjoyable watching Eddie put his new found knowledge into application. There is a good amount of mystery surrounding the new drug. How does it work? Why are certain people willing to kill to get it?  The answers to these questions are a little absurd; however, they are consistent with the entire premise of the movie. It was only when I thought back on the movie a few hours after viewing that I began to notice a few loose ends that were not tied up too neatly. Many explanations were quick and unclear.

Despite the movie's shortcomings it was enjoyable throughout. There are a few actions scenes that were pretty good and I found myself feeling anxious during suspenseful scenes, which is a good sign.  The director manipulated the lighting well in the film. When Morra wasn’t on the drug, the world he inhabited was dark and gray; it always seemed to be cloudy outside. However, when he takes the pill, the colors in the world become extremely vibrant and a golden hue is added.

Bradley Cooper turned out to be engaging in the starring role. I was able to take his character very seriously.  I’m glad to see he is taking on serious roles because he is a good actor but hasn’t been given enough good roles to show off his acting abilities

In a peaNut Shell:  I don’t give this a strong recommendation, but it’s still worth seeing or renting.  The premise is fascinating and although the story can be weak at some points, there is a good deal of intrigue that keeps you wanting more. This is not one of those movies that has a message. There is a lot of build up to one, but then it just ends. It’s not perfect, but I found myself enjoying it more than I thought I would.