Bradley Cooper, Abbie Cornish and Robert De Niro star in "Limitless"

When Opportunities are Endless, so are the Consequences

Have you ever had a bad day when you don’t think anything else could possibly go wrong…and then it usually does?

In Neil Burger’s (“The Illusionist” 2006) latest action thriller, “Limitless,” journalist Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper, “The A-Team” 2010) isn’t just having a bad day. It has been a bad few years. Among other things, Eddie is out of work and was majorly rejected by his girlfriend, Lindy. For Eddie, when it rains it pours. One day, Eddie’s life is suddenly transformed, however, when he unexpectedly bumps into an old friend.

“Limitless” is based on the 2001 book, “Dark Fields” by Alan Glynn. Burger delivers in direction as his visual effects will wow you and heighten your adrenaline incessantly. While the unique premise keeps us intrigued throughout the film, it certainly isn’t as intellectually demanding as let’s say, the “Bourne” series or “The Adjustment Bureau,” both of which ironically feature Matt Damon.

What is nice about this film is the fact that it is so complex you don’t feel the need to try to connect the dots and extract clues like you would in the “Bourne” series. On second thought, maybe it is because the film moves so fast we don’t even have time to think? Either way, this film gives our brain a rest while we sit back and enjoy the ride. The title couldn’t describe this film any better.

Pretty boy Cooper is hardly recognizable in the beginning of this film. Barely shaven, depressed, unemployed and recently dumped, he sports long, greasy, ragged locks. As the film progresses, however, so does Cooper’s appearance. With newfound pride, confidence, money and a bright future, Eddie soon has the recipe for transformation. And boy, does he transform.

Cooper plays the ultra-cocky Eddie seamlessly; in fact, it may somewhat remind you of his notable, single and swanky character, Phil (“The Hangover” 2009, “The Hangover Part II” 2011). Despite Eddie’s swift transformation from panicked poor man to power hungry genius he never loses the support or interest of the audience. Robert De Niro (“Little Fockers” 2010) nails his incredibly mysterious and intimidating part as business mogul, Carl Van Loon. Abbie Cornish (“Elizabeth: The Golden Age” 2007), who plays Eddie’s ex-girlfriend, Lindy, adds some female flare to the film but not much. Eddie’s mind is apparently too busy crunching numbers to be thinking about women.

After hearing of Eddie’s miserable life, Lindy’s brother has just the thing for him, NZT. New to the market, this experimental drug is unlike anything ever seen before. A normal individual can only access 20% of their brain but this pill allows you to access 100%.

Eddie suddenly enters an entirely new world. He narrates his thoughts throughout the movie, “I was blind but now I see. A tablet a day and I was limitless. I now had cultural appetites. I finished my book in four days. Math became useful.” This was only the beginning.

NZT was the wonder drug allowing the ultimate power, invincibility and knowledge about everything. Eddie finds himself rising to the top of the financial world, a world that would have been completely foreign to him if it weren’t for NZT. He even catches the attention of Carl Van Loon who notices Eddie making billions for his company. With this power comes consequences, however, and boy does it cost him. Eddie is now the ultimate target. Will he escape all danger? What happens when he runs out of pills? Will he just become another victim of NZT?

Bottom Line? Guys, you will enjoy this fast paced thriller, especially since it’s love story is somewhat lacking (leaving more room for action). Ladies, if you are being dragged to this film (probably by someone other than your girlfriends) and are not the biggest fan of action packed thrillers, rest assured this film will be worth your while as Cooper doesn’t disappoint by the end.

Jessica Aymond © March 18, 2011