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Film: Limitless

Cast includes: Bradley Cooper (The Hangover), Robert De Niro (Goodfellas), Abbie Cornish (Bright Star), Johnny Whitworth (3:10 to Yuma)
Director: Neil Burger (The Lucky Ones)
Writer: Leslie Dixon (The Thomas Crown Affair)
Genre: Concept Thriller (2011) Based on a novel by Alan Glynn

In brief: “Obviously I miscalculated a few things,” Eddie tells us as we see him standing on the thin ledge of his balcony, ready to jump. “The moment your life exceeds your wildest dreams, there’s a knife at your back.” We soon learn that Eddie has a triple-digit IQ and a huge pile of problems. We next see him in flashbacks. He’s a mess. We soon learn he’s a writer with a book contract and writer’s block. When his girlfriend Lindy gives his keys back, we see that Eddie’s going to lose everything if he doesn’t get his act together. “You’re my lover, my partner,” he pleads. “Your cleaning lady, your bank,” she answers.

Running into Vernon, his ex-brother-in-law, is a total fluke. Talk about useless relationships! But somehow Vernon gets Eddie to confess that his book deal is in jeopardy. And Vernon, an ex drug dealer, has something that can help. No… this time it’s legit (almost)… a little clear pill. “You know how you can normally access only 20% of your brain? Well, this lets you access all of it.” When Eddie says no, Vernon gives him the pill with his card… “on the house.” On the way home, Eddie thinks, “How much worse could it get?” He takes the little clear pill, and suddenly everything looks different. “I wasn’t high, wasn’t wired… just clear. I knew what I had to do and how to do it.” Naturally, Eddie needs to reconnect with Vernon. Can the little clear pill make anyone a genius? “It works better if you’re already smart,” Vernon tells Eddie.

Anyway, the visit with Vernon doesn’t go quite as expected, but Eddie does manage to secure a supply of little clear pills. And that’s the starting point for Eddie’s story. Sure… it helps Eddie become a success, but there are all kinds of problems too. The reason this film is a fun ride is because it’s well written and it rings true. Bradley Cooper is quite believable as Eddie and Robert De Niro is, of course, excellent. The film has an interesting premise and presents some thought-provoking issues. It doesn’t spend much time, however, resolving the biggest dilemma of all… probably because it’s too difficult. For that reason, the ending is more abrupt and not as satisfying as the rest of the film. As Eddie tells us, “We’re wired to overreach.” Maybe that’s what the filmmakers did, too.

2 popped kernels

An interesting premise… nicely developed… weak conclusion

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