Cast: Bradley Cooper. Robert De Niro, Abbie Cornish, and Andrew Howard
Directed by: Neil Burger
MPAA Rating: PG 13 for for thematic material involving a drug, violence including disturbing images, sexuality and language
Genre: : Drama, Thriller and Adaptation
Running Time: 1hr 45min
Release Date: March 18th, 2011
Distributed by: Relativity Media
By John Delia
The premise of Limitless involves the use of a mythical drug that magically makes a person a total Einstein, the pure fantasy and consequences of the outcome makes it intriguing. The cast perfectly drawn and the direction top notch, Limitless thrills and chills.
Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) has drawn a blank causing a case of writers block. The company who has given him a monetary advance to write his book is asking for results. Totally depressed and thinking of ending his career he by chance runs into Vernon (Johnny Whitworth) an old buddy who introduces him to a pill called NZT. It allows one to use his entire brain including the incidental memory that has picked up information not purposely stored. With this newfound drug, Eddie is on top of the world and writes his book in four days. When finds Vernon dead, Eddie realizes the reason and searches his apartment coming up with a bag of the brain stretchers. When word gets around that Eddie has NZT his world turns upside down.
The fantasy here shows the premise that if it were true that one could take a pill and use his or her whole brain to it’s fullest potential then an Eddie would probably outshine most everyone with the use of his stored knowledge. It would be like the memory enhancing supplement Focus Factor on steroids.
The film under the direction by Neil Burger (The Illusionist) gets nicely played out. He keeps his audience guessing and on the edge as Eddie copes with his situation and the dangerous new ones being created. Cooper makes his character real going from indigent writer to top of the world consultant. His interaction with superstar Robert DeNiro as investor Carl Van Loon works well. As the two plays off each other they turn a dull possibility into an intriguing interaction showing Eddie’s brilliance.
Limitless is rated PG 13 for thematic material involving a drug, violence including disturbing images, sexuality and language.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A bright chilling fantasy that entertains. (B-)