Limitless is a strange film. Not merely because the storyline is not particularly original, nor does the Hollywood cast offer an unforgettable performance, but because despite of both those things there seems to be some sense of piquancy which makes the not-particularly-impressive acting, reasonable directing and ok script - work. And does it work well. The action is breathless and dynamic and the plot runs with fluent rapidity. The story itself is somewhat intriguing, due to its likeable nature – I mean, truly, no more than 30 minutes in I wish a pill of that sort can get me to finish my book in three days. It seems it’s exactly the less-polished moments that give this film its edge, with Bradley Cooper’s slightly sloppy voice over or the unrealistic human interaction between Cooper’s Eddie Mora and his landlord’s wife. For what this film is, it’s undeniable that it is strangely entertaining. The story walks a very fine line between over-the-top-ridiculous and underwritten-sci-fi, which holds up all the way through. Bradley Cooper’s charm brings the character to life, while Robert De Niro and Alan Dale’s familiar faces help overcome the typicality of the Russian villain and order of events. There is a lot lacking in this film, but even so, the makers have done so well to cover that up that we barely notice the moth eaten holes in our jacket, just as long as it keeps us warm.
Mirela Ivanova
