Unemployed writer Eddie (Bradley Cooper) accepts a friend’s invitation in trying a new experimental drug. Discovering his intellect dramatically increases after taking it, he becomes an overnight success in the financial world. His actions capture the attention of businessman Carl Van Loon (Robert De Niro). Using Eddie for his own ends Carl’s needs mirror those of a cabal of hit-men, who pursue Eddie for the drug. On the run and in fear of his life, Eddie’s dream-life becomes an unrelenting nightmare.
Based on the book ‘Dark Fields’ by Alan Glynn, Limitless effectively adds another wrinkle to the thriller genre. This is a remarkable feat given the plot’s reliance on delving inside its hero’s mind. It works is due to Neil Burger’s taut direction and visual flair utilizing its potential to its maximum. His exploration into a fully functioning mind being used to one’s tactical advantage is finely wrapped into a mostly exciting chase formula. Maintaining its energy until the end Cooper’s performance brings some genuine believability to far-fetched thrills.
Although occasionally groaning under the weight of its ideas, Limitless moves at a fairly quick pace. Whilst there are traditional villains, it’s ‘hero’ is the main person doing a dis-service to himself due to his addiction to the drug. This plot strand is hardly subtle increasing the threat level against him quite well. It may not be rocket science but Limitless does offer thought provoking issues while moving events in stirring fashion.
Bradley Cooper should afford himself a smile that his latest venture isn’t a waste of time. Fast moving and exciting, it should take him up further along the scale of movie stardom.
Movie Review Rating 7 / 10
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.
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