Film & TV

Film Review: Limitless

Rating: M

Running Time: 105 minutes

Release Date:17 March 2010

Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) suffering from writer’s block hits rock bottom after his successful girlfriend Lindy (Abbie Cornish) breaks up with him. Desperate he comes across an experimental wonder drug, NZT, which transforms his life but at what cost? The screenplay by Leslie Dixon is based on the 2001 novel The Dark Fields by Alan Glynn. It’s based on the myth that we only use 10-20% of our brain however this amazing pill allows us to truly realise our full potential.

Directed by Neil Burger (The Illusionist) and filmed in New York, the visuals aptly covey the heightened awareness and rapid processing and decision making ability. Those who get motion sickness or experience vertigo however may get a bit nauseous watching some scenes. Unfortunately the film is marred with several plot problems, for example a pill taken orally would take longer than 30 seconds to have an effect. Also if he has become so super intelligent why does he make some basic mistakes? But at this enjoyable pace and visual feast (and I am not just talking about Bradley Cooper and his hypnotic blue eyes) you can just accept it as a bit of escapist fun. Inception it is not!

Robert De Niro appears as Business mogul, Carl Van Loon who seeks to make money out of Eddie’s super analytical abilities. Though it is never made clear why Eddie would be keen to work for Van Loon when he is able to make millions on his own. Bradley Cooper (The Hangover) shows he can handle the action roles as well as the comedy and its my tip that more action roles will be coming his way. He actually replaced Shia LeBeouf as the lead which has worked in the film’s favour. Cooper’s screen presence and his ability to transform from loser to winner in an instance and yet be totally believable gives this film its heart. Abbie Cornish (Candy, Somersault) is convincing in her small part as is De Niro who is currently best known for his Meet the Parents/Fockers character Jack Byrnes. De Niro has specialised as a supporting actor and his mere attachment to a project provides it credibility such is his status. This film also benefits from this factor which elevates it from just being mediocre. The ending is quite good and thought provoking which makes for a neat package

Forget the plot and just go in for the entertaining ride 3/5 stars

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