The best thing “Limitless” has going for it is that the plot is uncommon – it focuses on the importance of intelligence. And while our hero makes decisions that a truly smart person wouldn’t, “Limitless” is enjoyable entertainment if you don’t think too much about what’s happening. When we first meet Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper), he’s stumbling through life, stuck on the first page of his novel and drinking too much. Then he bumps into his ex-wife’s brother Vernon (Jonny Whitworth), who’s not a dealer but a ‘pharmaceutical consultant.’ Against his better judgment, Eddie downs NZT, the pill that Vernon says will help him with his book. Which it does because NZT allows him to tap into previously neglected areas of his brain. But when Eddie goes to Vernon for more, he finds Vernon dead and Eddie’s holding his stash. When Eddie uses his improved brainpower to get rich quick so he can get back with his girlfriend Lindy (Abbie Cornish), he also finds himself in the presence of uber-rich but menacing Carl Van Loon (Robert Di Nero). But, of course, the pills have a side effect and Eddie’s going to have to discover how to circumvent them if he’s to stay alive.
How do you show enhanced IQ on the screen? Director Neil Burger and cinematographer Jo Willems use clarity. When the pills kick in, the colors brighten and the world is in sharper focus. Of course, there’s a visual difference in Eddie, too. When he’s on NZT, he cares more about his appearance, which is a good thing if you’re a Bradley Cooper fan. Unfortunately, there are a lot of issues that go unexplained. He’s a writer but he only writes one book? He’s smart; wouldn’t he investigate the composition of NZT before his supply runs out? Why would he borrow money from a loan shark known for hurting his customers if they don’t pay? Nonetheless, what “Limitless” lacks in story cohesion it makes up for in energy and Bradley Cooper’s surprising leading-man charm. This is a satisfying, fast-paced thriller if you’re willing to just go with it. 3/19/11
1 comment:
“Limitless” is one of the most unusual movies I've seen in years. Alfred Hitchcock would be proud of this one and I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. Go see it.
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