Review - Limitless

Just Relax and Focus

Focus, it’s something we all long to do more of every day. What if there were a drug, that was about to be approved for use, that would allow you to gain total focus and utilize every part of your brain. You know, those tasks you get distracted from, you would no longer have to worry as the ability to complete them would be within your grasp.

Eddie (Bradley Cooper) is a struggling writer. He is struggling with a block right now that nothing seems to cure. And it is starting to have an impact on other aspects of his life. But now, he is offered a unique drug, NZT. NZT he is promised by his ex brother-in-law will give him the focus he needs to turn his life around. It will give him the precious focus and allow him to make the best use out of his mind and the knowledge he has gained over the years. And he finds out quickly, it’s all true.

But that’s when things turn for Eddie. As he goes to secure additional pills, his connection meets a different fate. But now he has the material and it is turning his life around. Every pill puts him closer to a life of freedom that he’s dreamt of, and deeper into an intriguing web of individuals that have an impact on his life.

Along the way Eddie meets Carl Van Loon (Robert DeNiro). Carl is the preeminent business icon that has heard about Eddie exploits as a day trader, and wonders how he does it. No matter, he’s going to get him on his team with one of the biggest deals he has ever been a part of and he wants Eddie’s proven wealth of knowledge.

But Eddie has others that are out to get him. A mobster that wants NZT for himself, a mystery man that is tracking him down at every turn, and a drug that is having a variety of effects are among the situations that challenge him. Now, will he have what it takes to weather the storm and come out of the situation better than ever?

Limitless is one of those movies that just didn’t totally click with me. It’s a unique story that everyone can relate to, gaining the strategic advantage of constant and unfiltered focus. But it’s a bit messy in its makeup and will come off as confusing as the trip Cooper goes on. There are a number of storylines that seem to start and go nowhere. This includes his relationship with his ex-wife, with his ex-girlfriend, and with really all the women in his life.

I think this one could find a real place in my mind after multiple viewings, but after the first viewing alone, my focus is somewhat limited, and my grade matches. But if that NZT works, imagine the results…and the grade for NZT…

B- / C+

Limitless
Dreamworks SKG / Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Director: Neil Burger
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Abbie Cornish, Robert DeNiro

Rating: PG-13 for thematic material involving a drug, violence including disturbing images, sexuality and language.
Runtime: 105 minutes.