Limitless DVD

An inventive and entertaining thriller which sees down-on-his-luck writer; Eddie Mora (Bradley Cooper) introduced to a strange new pill that activates every synaptic connection, neuron and axon in his brain. The result sees him turn his life around in a matter of hours: Mora completes his long gestating novel in one afternoon, can recall obscure facts in detail and learns how to make a fortune in the business world. But every drug has its side effects and NZT is no different; as Eddie hurtles ever forward like a hungry Shark on speed: upping the intellectual pace by putting intense pressure on both body and mind.

Bradley Cooper ('The Hangover', 'The A-team') plays a likeable loser as well as he does a suave know-it-all and though Robert DeNiro puts in a memorable performance as arrogant fat cat Carl Van Loon, it's Cooper who takes away the lion's share of the film.

Director Neil Bruger ('The Illusionist') does well to tweak the sci-fi leanings within the framework of reality whilst cinematographer Jo Willems ('30 Days of Night') makes good use of filters: blues and grays for normal life, solar flares and neon diffusers for NZT trips. 'Limitless' is high-concept, popcorn moviemaking at its best and makes up for in pace and visuals what is occasionally lacks in logic and coherence. 100 minutes well spent.