If you could have just one wish, it would be this one.

Rating: Null/10 (15 July 2011)

The IMDb storyline pretty much gives you all the key elements of the movie. Those few words "drug that allows you to use 100% of your brain" are mighty powerful words to me. A line said by Vernon played by Johnny Whitworth, who says"it works better if you're already smart" just makes the whole premise all that more captivating.
Can movie producers go with this premise and not screw it up with special effects; can they film away resisting slapstick stupid-ass gags that waste valuable intellectual stimulation time. Can they let a smart audience enjoy on its own what the story conveys? What do you know they did! Bravo.
There are high points and low bottoms when you know too much for your own good; others want to own you, to put it nicely. The more people know your secret the rougher life becomes for you. But having the brain power does allow you to deal with it all; that's until your supply of little pharma goodies runs out and or when the side effects (if you had become a glutton for the perks) start to manifest themselves. The suspense or thrilling part of the movie are fed by this simple combo.
When well used, 100% brain power can overcome all shortcomings, even the scary prospect of an end to this cerebral bliss. Having that kind of gift allows you to make money of course, but far better than that, it allows you to excite, stimulate and damn it own (psychologically, not legally) the women of your dreams. You could converse with the intellectual elite and get what they're talking about or you could revel in humiliating those who were simply spewing bullshit. The movie had to push it with a scene where the hero, Eddie Morra, played by Bradley Cooper, tackles thugs with martial arts he supposedly learned like the Matrix' s Neo had. It was nicely done but was still a stretch the movie could have done quite well without in my opinion.
There are two movies entitled 'Limitless' released in 2011. The story lines cannot be mistaken; just make sure you know which one you pick. The one directed by Neil Burger is the one to see. I was entertained, I wanted more, I had a fantasy dream (a daydream at that) after the movie. Need I say more?