Limitless (2011)

Limitless sets the tone quickly with it's opening credits, quickly establishing one of it's most interesting visual tricks. It's one of those cinematic tricks that tells the audience they're gonna be seeing something a little different. While Limitless is a little less then what it's premise suggests, it's hard to argue against the film's funky, cool direction and sheer fun entertainment.

The story follows a struggling writer Eddie (Bradley Cooper) who discovers a top-secret drug from his old brother in law. This drug gives him brain enhancing qualities which gives him superhuman abilities. We first see Eddie broke, heartbroken and suffering from writers block. When he starts taking the drug, known as NZT, Eddie is transformed into a genius that can not only write a book in four days, but learn languages in mere hours and take on the big bosses from Wall Street.

Originally Shia La Beouf was cast as Eddie but had to drop out after injuring his hand in a car crash. Reports also suggest that Elizabeth Banks was cast as Eddie's girlfriend before dropping out with Abbie Cornish taking over. It's a good thing too, as Cooper and Cornish excel in their roles, with Cooper having enormous fun with the material and proving he can take on a lead role.

At some point in the film you may start asking questions about whats unfolding in the film. Limitless takes plenty of shortcuts, carefully avoiding any effort to address the film's many plot holes. The film is also happy to dodge any ethical and moral questions. Limitless simply chooses to have fun with it's plot, keeping it's tongue firmly in cheek. It's a sort of Wall Street (1987), but on crack.

Robert De Niro comes along to the show and it's great to see him back on form playing Wall street boss Eddie Van Loon. We also have a brief appearance from Anna Friel, who, while naturally very beautiful, manages to look a right scruff as Eddie's ex wife Melissa. All together Cooper has a solid supporting cast to bounce off.

Limitless may finish off a little too cleanly with the origin of the drug never really explained. It also discards the moral complications from the entire film and has an ending, which makes you wonder why people didn't think about it before. But that doesn't really matter as the film is great entertainment from start to finish, with Bradley Cooper giving one of his best performances so far.