Only the Quantity of NZT is the Limit.

Rating: 7/10 (31 January 2019)

I first saw 'Limitless' in 2011 when it had its original run in cinemas. So, watching that film now, it somehow feels so 2010. Stylistically, I mean. There is some certain style or atmosphere in science fiction and action movies made between 2007-2012 that I can only call 2010ish. Don't ask me why I get such a feeling.
'Limitless' had quite original premise upon its release, and the thing is it still feels fresh. I guess I haven't seen a movie handling similar subject matter. The things that bothered me almost nine years ago are the same ones that bother me today. Some more, some less. First, lets start with that 'we only use limited part of our brain'. The character Vernon (Johnny Whitworth) says that we can access 20% of our brain, while the well known urban myth is about 10%. As we find out, the Vernon is not the brightest guy, it is obvious that this myth was thrown in by the screenwriters to give an easy explanation to the audience (from whom large part are not very bright themselves), and also show the shallowness of the character. The second problem was the unnecessary addition of the Russian mobster to just to amp up the thrills and have some cliche edge-on-your seat action scene. The screenplay could have been little more thought out. I think I don't need to praise Bradley Cooper's ability to turn in fantastic performance as out of luck writer turned into supergenius.
Neils Burger's lavish visual style manages to turn very uneven screenplay into highly entertaining, and even thought provoking film that manage to work on many levels. I liked how the colors turned brighter when Eddie Morra was on NZT, and went back to greyer tones when he was 'himself'.
This film also works somewhat as a motivational video - don't tell me you didn't get the desire to clean up your apartment after finishing the movie. I did. And remember, NZT does exist. It is all in our heads. And cleaning up your apartment is good way to start turning your life better.