Film Review: "Limitless"

What if you were able to do the impossible? What would you do if you were able to speak any language without any hesitation? What if you were able to write a book a within a matter of days? And what if you were able to figure your way out of any predicament? The possibilities of these scenarios are endless; and I am sure that anyone would love to be able to accomplish all these fantastic feats. I know I would. Well, a few weeks ago I saw the captivating thriller “Limitless”; which features a great performance by star Bradley Cooper, an electrifying story, and riveting surprises. Thus, it is with rapid enthusiasm that I say:

“Limitless” is a Non-Stop Ride with Many Twists and Turns

In Director Neil Burger’s gripping film, Bradley Cooper plays Eddie Morra; a burnt-out writer who does not deliver in his latest writing on time and is consequently dumped by his girlfriend Lindy—portrayed by Abbie Cornish. A short time later, Eddie runs into his brother-in-law Vernon, played by Johnny Whitworth, who happens to be a drug dealer. In an effort to improve Eddie’s life a little, Vernon gives him a trial-pill of NZT-48; which he eventually takes—and all of a sudden, his brain unlocks the power to be utilized to its utmost aptitude; thus giving him the power to write his book at rapid-fire pace as well as gain the motivation to reorganize his disorderly apartment. Unfortunately, the power of the pill wears off by morning; and he knows that he must have more of the pill. Vernon agrees to give him more of the pill; but only if he runs an errand for him. However, once Eddie returns, he finds his brother-in-law dead. After notifying the police, Eddie finds a bag of NZT-48 and departs the apartment; right after he questioned by the police. Upon returning home, he takes a pill; and gives himself a complete makeover. Knowing that he needs money to fund his new life, Eddie eventually starts working in the stock market with his newfound strong intelligence; thus becoming rich. Eddie’s newfound focus also successfully reunites him with Lindy as well as eventually getting hired by powerful entrepreneur Carl Van Loon; played by Robert DeNiro. Unfortunately, the NZT-48 brings some terrible consequences into Eddie’s life; predominately the life-threatening side-effects that take place when experiencing a major lack of the drug-- such as passing out and becoming severely ill. And as the side-effects increase, Eddie must keep his career intact despite many threats on his life by Gennady; a brute, played by Andrew Howard, that Eddie applied to for a loan and is out to collect the money— by any means necessary. And throughout the film, Bradley Cooper gives a striking performance that keeps the audience’s attention whenever he is on screen.

Image taken from http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Film/Pix/pictures/2010/12/21/1292951980597/Limitless-1-007.jpg

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of “Limitless” would be that its overall storyline is full is more-than-intriguing; thus resulting in large amounts of suspense. Right at the start of the film, we are brought into the action; already clutching our seats in high anticipation. And as we originally meet Bradley Cooper’s character, you are already anticipating that the inevitable taking of the drug will bring about big changes to this irresponsible and unmotivated character. And once the minuscule tablet is ingested, a tidal wave of possibilities for both Bradley Cooper’s characters as well as the audience open up. We smile in excitement as Eddie writes his book, make a move on the ladies and soak up joys of living in success and luxury. What’s more, Eddie can figure his way out of any quandary; whether it be arguing with his landlord or making his way out of a fight with a street gang. And, when he renews his relationship with Lindy, we see this once-apathetic loner become committed to keeping his love intact and safe from harm. And, just as we know that nothing ever lasts forever, we, the audience, constantly worry about when he is going to run out of the life-changing capsule; thus we do, in fact, share the fear that Eddie possesses once he realizes that his supply is running out. And, once we see the terrible side-effects of not having enough of the drug, we are constantly rooting for Eddie to score more of the valuable-yet-dangerous medication. And when we see Eddie constantly having to flee from the threat of Andrew Howard’s Gennady, our eyes are forever-focused on the action that’s unraveling on the screen in front of us. Henceforth, as “Limitless” plays, we experience vast feelings of exhilaration as well as significant alarm and trepidation; basically the same emotions Bradley Cooper’s character undertakes throughout the film.

Image taken http://thehurstreview.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/limitless.jpg

But while the writing is completely solid and the plotline constantly evokes suspense, I believe that a majority of the acting was well-timed and skilled as well. Mostly perfected by star Bradley Cooper; who gives a swaggering-yet –expressive turn as the film’s chief protagonist. Before taking the pill, Cooper is very convincing as a less-than-enthusiastic author; who doesn’t show enough affection when his girlfriend Lindy dumps him. He is completely disheveled; and completely lacks any sense of focus or self-respect. But, once Eddie Morra takes the sacred pill, he transforms into an entirely different person. He’s intelligent, he’s alert on all accounts, and most importantly, he is committed to everything; predominantly turning his life completely around for the better. And, once he is reaping the benefits of the NZT-48, there is a whirl-wind of gusto; as Eddie knows that he can know do anything as he has become entirely perfect. We see him get a complete make-over and become a hit with the ladies as well as a whiz with numbers and the financial world. And Cooper’s greatly affirmative performance makes him appear overzealous at times; as he knows that nothing could possibly stop his seemingly-endless winning streak. But also eager to maintain his ideal life as he becomes financially-secure and happily in love once again with Lindy. It appears that everything is going his way.

However, while his character does emerge over-confident, Bradley Cooper also makes his character appear vulnerable as well. This is made evident when we see the horrific side-effects of the pill; particularly when we see him struggle to keep alive when becoming vastly ill due to a lack of the drug. We also observe him becoming more and more frightful of the constant threats onto his life by Gennady. Eddie is always on the constant watch for his foe; even going so far as to hire bodyguards as well as eventually moving into a high-security apartment. But, throughout the film, Cooper fears for his safety; as well as desperately trying to ensure that he has an endless supply of NZT-48. And, as we watch him struggle to keep alive due to pill withdrawal, we are drawn to Cooper’s emotive performance.

Image taken from http://media.tcm.ie/media/images/l/LimitlessFilmStill.jpg

While Bradley Cooper is great as the film’s lead character, the bulk of the supporting cast is quite enthralling as well; particularly Abbie Cornish as Lindy and Andrew Howard as Gennady . Abbie Cornish gives a strong performance as Lindy; who only wants what is best for Bradley Cooper’s character. When we meet Lindy, it is clear that she has had it with Eddie’s behavior and wants him to get his act together. And, when they get back together, the romantic chemistry between the two is more-than-apparent; and you can tell that her character really does care about him. And, when Cornish’s character finds out about Andrew Howard’s malicious character as well as the truth about the pill, we see her fear for Eddie’s life as well as find out her unfavorable sentiments about his taking of the NZT-48. In addition, Andrew Howard gives a good presentation Gennady; whose constantly harassing Eddie. And, once again, I don’t want to spoil anything, but he also gets a tasting of the NZT-48 and that gives him further reason to chase down Eddie; as he wants to further harness the power of the drug for himself. And in order to get what he wants, he comes after Eddie with great force and even purses Lindy in an enthralling chase scene; as she rushes to retrieve Eddie’s pills as he suffers from lack of NZT-48. Therefore, both Cornish and Howard make their respected supporting characters truly believable and further keep us anticipating what happens next.

Image taken from http://img.poptower.com/pic-45873/andrew-howard.jpg?d=600

The only problem I had when watching “Limitless,” however, would be the overall performance by Robert DeNiro’s character of Carl Van Loon; Bradley Cooper’s boss when working for the stock market. This is very below par for me; mainly because I feel that DeNiro is one of the greatest actors in the business. So, naturally, when I found out that he is in this movie, I was excited to see him interact with Bradley Cooper; who is been getting more popular over the past few years. Unfortunately, I was very let down to see the Hollywood legend known as Robert DeNiro give an unenergetic performance as a powerful stock market figure. I expected a great force of energy from DeNiro as he made his presence on the big screen; but I believe that Bradley Cooper’s fast-paced dialogue and performance outshined him in every way. I felt that DeNiro could have given a much more intimidating performance when acting alongside Bradley Cooper; perhaps even being the film’s designated villain. But, ultimately, Andrew Howard’s greatly menacing performance as Gennady stood out more so than DeNiro’s; thus making his appearance in the film not so noteworthy. In fact, I feel that any actor could have played DeNiro’s part in the film; seeing as his enervated act took away from much of the action and lessened the impact of many of the film’s sequences.

Image taken from http://images.contactmusic.com/images/content/limitless-film-still.jpg

All in all, “Limitless” is a quality film; fortified by a riveting story and a quality performance by Bradley Cooper. His enthralling act only strengthens the storyline and overall tone of the film; thus keeping our concentration at all times. Thus, I can honestly say that “Limitless” is definitely one of year’s most stirring films so far; with hardly anything holding it back—with the possible exception of a not-so-amazing performance by Robert DeNiro. Otherwise, “Limitless” really does unlock exhilaration and a good time at the movies.