Film Review: 'Limitless' [2011]
starring Bradley Cooper w/ Robert De Niro

Delighted to say this is one of the most inventive films I have seen - not only this year, but in a long while. With his major box-office success via 'The Hangover' films, especially, I had forgotten just how hard-working and good an actor Bradley Cooper is. Here he plays struggling writer Eddie Morra whose luck changes drastically after he ingests a designer drug that allows him to use 100 percent of his mind power! Immediately likeable as quirky, semi- anti-hero Morra, Cooper really DELIVERS, bringing to life a character in a way not just any ole actor could pull-off. Too, the supporting cast all rise to the occasion in a fast-paced mix of suspense/action-thriller/murder & intrigue. De Niro is as capable as ever playing Carl van Loon (Yes, that's the character's name!), a very powerful, yet charming tycoon quite used to getting his way. Australian actress Abbie Cornish is a standout as Morra's on/off girlfriend, Lindy. Physically she's a lovely blend of Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, & Katie Holmes (!!!). Acting-wise, Cornish definitely has the gift when on-screen.

This film should be Exhibit 'A' to Hollywood that it is NOT necessary to resort to lazy re-makes of old television series & new video games as motion pictures. Even if truly there are no original ideas left - were he alive, Hitchcock himself might applaud the creative variations on plot twists and turns which make 'Limitless' so compelling.

As Eddie Morra transforms with the story's progression, Cooper is right there with a fine, convincing performance - subtle, and jarring when it needs to be.

Based on the 2001 novel "The Dark Fields" by Alan Glynn with a screenplay by Leslie Dixon whose credits include 'Mrs. Doubtfire', 'Pay It Forward', the Travolta 'Hairspray' and several more popular films, the whole 'What if ...' concept is passionately embraced. Director Neil Burger has a keen sense of style, holding together elements that could have easily gone astray in less talented hands. With Burger, Cooper, & Dixon all on-board, Eddie Morra is a character I would gladly welcome in a sequel. The potential ... perhaps, LIMITLESS.

Review By @SoulKirk