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What it’s about:
Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) is a sloppy aspiring writer suffering from chronic writers block. When a series of events lead to him being presented with a not quite legal drug that promises to unlock the dormant potential of his mind, Eddie cannot resist temptation. His new super human smarts quickly makes the world his oyster, but it’s not long before the complications surface.
What we thought:
Limitless is a fast-paced foray into a spectacular wish fulfilment fantasy. The Faustian premise is simple: drink a pill that will make you a genius and the possibilities are limitless. But despite this seeming simplicity, Limitless seeks to constantly up the ante- running into all directions like a kid with ADHD - it, like its protagonist - tries to over achieve.
When his girlfriend Lindy (Abbie Cornish) promptly dumps his slovenly ass, Eddie realises that he has finally hit rock bottom. Days spent in front of his computer has provided no results and although this seems like utter failure, one sympathises with Eddie who comes across as an average Joe, simply a prisoner of his own inability to focus and apply himself.
But all that changes when he has a chance meeting with his ex-wife’s brother, a slick drug dealer now peddling NZT, a new miracle drug that promises to fire up every synapse, tapping into previously unused potential. Its effect on Eddie is instantaneous and as his brainpower proliferates the viewer is catapulted along with him into a new world of neural excitement and clarity.
Within what seems like a few days, Eddie has finished his book, gotten a make over, made friends with the rich and famous, gotten Lindy back and then moved on to conquer Wall Street. There he quickly builds himself up and starts rubbing shoulders with financial mega moguls such as Carl Van Loon (Robert De Niro). But his new powers draw the attention of some dodgy characters and scenarios, and soon Eddie is plunged into a world of paranoia, risk and danger.
This is further complicated with another sub plot that exposes the drug’s deadly side –effects. But, before you start thinking that this a movie that’s going to preach to you about the dangers and immorality of drug use, think again. The film is completely wrapped up in its own and its hero’s smugness and director Neil Burger is so keen on not alienating viewers from the ultimate fantasy they are witnessing that they don’t really sweat the fact that Eddie is a fraud and a junkie.What's important here is the exhilarating visceral experience:the ride is rapid and at times overwhelming and leads to many plot holes, but is at least consistently entertaining.
Burger endows the project with an MTV, Y generation coolness, a modern feel complete with effects that realises Eddie’s streamlined thoughts – and this is perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of the film. But, as exciting as all this sounds, one is never quite able to shake feeling that it’s all a bit silly. In one particular scene Lindy is also inadvertently dragged into the messy affair when one of the baddies who are after Eddie’s stash stalk her, knife in hand. The manoeuvre she pulls in order to escape had me giggling rather than gasping.
Limitless is a fusion of fun, visual stimulation and at times surprisingly witty dialogue. Its self assuredness makes it hard not to like, and if you’re looking for something that will be great accompaniment to a helping of pocorn, you’re likely to.
Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) is a sloppy aspiring writer suffering from chronic writers block. When a series of events lead to him being presented with a not quite legal drug that promises to unlock the dormant potential of his mind, Eddie cannot resist temptation. His new super human smarts quickly makes the world his oyster, but it’s not long before the complications surface.
What we thought:
Limitless is a fast-paced foray into a spectacular wish fulfilment fantasy. The Faustian premise is simple: drink a pill that will make you a genius and the possibilities are limitless. But despite this seeming simplicity, Limitless seeks to constantly up the ante- running into all directions like a kid with ADHD - it, like its protagonist - tries to over achieve.
When his girlfriend Lindy (Abbie Cornish) promptly dumps his slovenly ass, Eddie realises that he has finally hit rock bottom. Days spent in front of his computer has provided no results and although this seems like utter failure, one sympathises with Eddie who comes across as an average Joe, simply a prisoner of his own inability to focus and apply himself.
But all that changes when he has a chance meeting with his ex-wife’s brother, a slick drug dealer now peddling NZT, a new miracle drug that promises to fire up every synapse, tapping into previously unused potential. Its effect on Eddie is instantaneous and as his brainpower proliferates the viewer is catapulted along with him into a new world of neural excitement and clarity.
Within what seems like a few days, Eddie has finished his book, gotten a make over, made friends with the rich and famous, gotten Lindy back and then moved on to conquer Wall Street. There he quickly builds himself up and starts rubbing shoulders with financial mega moguls such as Carl Van Loon (Robert De Niro). But his new powers draw the attention of some dodgy characters and scenarios, and soon Eddie is plunged into a world of paranoia, risk and danger.
This is further complicated with another sub plot that exposes the drug’s deadly side –effects. But, before you start thinking that this a movie that’s going to preach to you about the dangers and immorality of drug use, think again. The film is completely wrapped up in its own and its hero’s smugness and director Neil Burger is so keen on not alienating viewers from the ultimate fantasy they are witnessing that they don’t really sweat the fact that Eddie is a fraud and a junkie.What's important here is the exhilarating visceral experience:the ride is rapid and at times overwhelming and leads to many plot holes, but is at least consistently entertaining.
Burger endows the project with an MTV, Y generation coolness, a modern feel complete with effects that realises Eddie’s streamlined thoughts – and this is perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of the film. But, as exciting as all this sounds, one is never quite able to shake feeling that it’s all a bit silly. In one particular scene Lindy is also inadvertently dragged into the messy affair when one of the baddies who are after Eddie’s stash stalk her, knife in hand. The manoeuvre she pulls in order to escape had me giggling rather than gasping.
Limitless is a fusion of fun, visual stimulation and at times surprisingly witty dialogue. Its self assuredness makes it hard not to like, and if you’re looking for something that will be great accompaniment to a helping of pocorn, you’re likely to.
