Excitement, intrigue, great camera work, a magic pill that will awaken your mind’s full potential, and a leading man who is just gorgeous, what more can one ask for, however given this tease of action and suspense early on I couldn’t help but feel a little let down by the lack lustre ending.
Bradley Cooper proves he is not just a pretty face by showing plenty of range in his acting ability, from the down-and-out slob of a wannabe writer to the high flying know-it-all business man. He even holds his own opposite co-star Robert De Niro.
Scruffy Eddie Morra (Cooper ) is a bit of a loser, he lives like a pig, can’t write one single word of his novel, and his girlfriend has finally had enough and dumped him. Feeling like life has hit rock bottom Morra bumps into his ex brother-in-law who introduces him to a new revolutionary pill, which is not exactly state approved and promises to help the user access 100 per cent brain function. While on this seemingly amazing drug Morra not just completes his novel but creates a masterpiece, he remembers and is able to instantly utilise everything he has ever read, heard, or seen, and is turned from a painfully shy guy to the confident toast of the town. However Morra needs to keep popping these pills to keep this rollercoaster of success going, and after stumbling upon a murder scene he discovers a large stash of the wonder drug but he is not the only person who wants it.
Pumped full of the drug Morra secures a position in the stock trade and pulls off a amazing meteoric rise to the top having used his new-found powers of prediction to make millions. He attracts the attention of business mogul Carl Van Loon (De Niro ) who sees Morra as the key to securing a major take-over bid. Just as Morra is enjoying his success and wins back his girlfriend the side effects of the drug rears its ugly head. Morra attempts to stop taking the drug but finds that doing so has consequences. With hit men and Russian criminal elements after him, Morra must not only protect his dwindling supply and his life but learn to live with the drug.
Taken from a novel by Irish writer Alan Glynn, Limitless is full of action with some amazing camera work showing the hustle and bustle of the world of business. My only criticism is that the last few scenes were a bit of a let down, I just expected more, however, I do recommend this film whether you’re a Cooper fan or not.
Verdict: 4/5
