I know what your probably thinking, why are you reviewing a film that came out 9 years ago? Well a friend of mine recommended it and said I should review it. So that is what I’m doing.
Limitless is a sci-fi thriller starring Bradley Cooper, Abby Cornish, and Robert De Nero. It follows Edward, who is a unmotivated writer who is struggling with relationship problems and unemployment. Edward runs into an old friend who gives him a drug that supposedly is able to activate and engage 100% of the brain’s power. His performance is quickly enhanced and his life changes rapidly. Until the side effects kick in, and shadowy men start hunting him.
That is a pretty basic synopsis of the plot. Once again I will discuss what worked and what didn’t.
Bradley Cooper is very good is this film. There are multiple scenes where he is able to be quick witted and clever. He has a bit of dramatic moments too. Abby Cornish is good as well. Despite De Niro’s minimal presence on screen, he is able to make the best of it. One scene in particular that I like is when Carl Van Loon is talking down to Edward about having a god given talent, but not working hard for it.
This is also a very good looking stylized film. When Edward is on the drug there is a brightness and the colors really pop out. Some of the scenes where tense.
My biggest gripe with this film is the characters. Bradley Cooper may be entertaining, but that doesn’t mean that I loved his character. From the beginning we are thrust into Edwards current life situation which is pretty bad. We aren’t given much to work with in terms of his character, just him recalling a bad night with his ex-girlfriend. His current girlfriend isn’t given much background either. As the film progresses, Edward gets more and more hooked on the drug. What does he decide to do with this new found power? Sleep with loose women, get money, and improve his occupation. Admittedly, that last one isn’t so bad. But for the most part he’s living his life like Jordan Belfort. Any complex idea that the film may have been going for, is completely squandered by the motives of our main character. Edward may be quick-witted, but that doesn’t equate to character depth or an amazing performance.
This sci-fi flick is broken down to a thriller about a man who is trying to get away from the people that are hunting him down. It’s not thought provoking in the slightest. I would say that this is wasted potential, but I didn’t really take the premise of the film too seriously to begin with. It’s not juggling any important themes, and it just reveals itself to be pretty hollow.
If your reading this and think that I hate this film, I don’t. Maybe I’m just reading into this movie too much. Honestly if your at home and interested in watching a movie that is fun and doesn’t exert much brain power, than this is the one for you. You could fold your laundry or finish cleaning and have this on in the background. However, if you are looking for a sci-fi film that will leave you with something to think about, and is impactful, than you are in the wrong place.
Cedric Cinema 