Reviewed by Johnny McNair

20th Century Fox – 105 minutes – 2011 – Rated PG-13/Unrated – 1080p Widescreen 2.40:1 – DTS 5.1 Audio Mix – Digital Copy

Most people have probably wished they could just take a pill and it would make them better. Not make the pain go away better, we’re talking a more superior human being. This is the premise for the thriller Limitless that dares to show you what could happen if the average person who only uses a small portion of their brain could unlock the rest of it. Limitless is available on Blu-ray from 20th Century Fox, and dares you to be better than everyone around you.

THE MOVIE

Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) is a struggling writer who has been attempting to finish his novel for months but is suffering from an extreme case of writer’s block. He’s also completely broke, looks like a homeless drifter, and has to sneak into his apartment every night to avoid his landlord that he owes back-rent to. Even his ex-girlfriend Lindy, (Abbie Cornish), who he’s still in love with, wants nothing to do with him. His luck changes dramatically when he bumps into his ex-brother in law, who introduces him to a little pill. It’s an experimental pill called NZT that goes for $800 a pop, that he claims will help someone focus better.

Curiosity wins and Eddie takes the pill, which works very quickly, and he opens up a world of energy, intelligence and inspiration that he never knew he possessed. The pill only last for a short period of time, but in that frame he finishes his novel…and according to his editor, it’s the best thing he’s ever written. Eddie wants more of these pills, but things turn bad when he discovers his brother in law has been mysteriously murdered. Fortunately, he also finds a stash of NZT pills at the crime scene, which he obviously keeps for himself.

The pills make him a far better man than he ever was, as well as a wealthier one thanks to his acquired financial knowledge in the stock market. Greed takes over when he needs to get more money fast to build his empire, leading to him borrowing cash from a crazy Russian loan shark. The rise to power attracts the attention of corporate mogul named Carl Van Loon (Robert De Niro) who wants to use Eddie’s knowledge to make mega billions. But things begin to quickly turn for the worse when Eddie runs out his supply of magic pills, making an enemy out of Van Loon and the Russian loan shark who is after him.

Limitless, directed by Neil Berger is not perfect, but it taps into a very cool concept and has enough going to keep your attention. Bradley Cooper actually does a good job in his first real leading man role, and you’ll enjoy his wild ride through his eyes. The main problem is that the script is not very tight so many of the things that occur are extremely predictable and there are no real twists. Also, De Niro is not allowed to be the bad-ass power tycoon that you know he could be. Making DeNiro a better villain and pitting hin against someone who has false powers could have been an interesting set-up. Overall, Limitless is a fun movie that has strong assets and is worthy of your attention.

VIDEO

Presented in full 1080p in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, Limitless looks great with super crisp colors and tones. The stylized photography stands strong, such as the sequence when Eddie writes his novel under the influence of the NZT pill and words and letters are flying all over the screen. Depth of field such as New York City street scenes look as if you’re staring out a window to see it happening as it unfolds. Blacks are muddy in some scenes, but overall hold up, and the periodic grain doesn’t affect the image quality.

AUDIO

Offering a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, this Blu-ray sounds great. Dialogue is well balanced, as well as the basic ambience such as in street, restaurant and club scenes that immerse you into the setting. Sound effects are also well done, particularly the sound design for the Eddie’s debut into the world of the effects of the wonder pill. Audiophiles with great sound systems will appreciate the effort.

EXTRAS

The bonus features are slim, but at least there is an audio commentary track by the director, and both the theatrical and unrated versions of the film is available.

Director Neil Berger provides an audio commentary track that goes into the background of the film and the journey to get it on the screen

Taking it to the Limit: The Making of Limitless is a quick behind the scenes look at the movie, which includes interviews with cast and crew.

A Man Without Limits is a five-minute bio on the main character, Eddie Morra, which seems like it was just clipped away from the Making of Limitless.

An alternate ending is available, but it’s more or less the same scene re-edited and makes no difference to the outcome.

For those on the go there’s a Digital Copy.

BOTTOM LINE

Limitless is a fun film with a great concept, but a tighter script would have made this a better adventure. The Blu-ray offers excellent visuals and sound quality, but the bonus features are weak. This film is recommended for Bradley Cooper fans, as well as anyone who wants to hope on for the ride.

SCORES (Out of 5):

The Movie: 3.0

Video: 4.0

Sound: 4.0

Extras: 2.5

Bottom Line: 3.5