Limitless

Release Date: Mar 18, 2011 

Runtime: 1 hr. 45 min. 

Director: Neil Burger 

Cast: Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Abbie Cornish, Anna Friel, Johnny Whitworth.

One pill = endless possibilities. That’s the setup in “Limitless,” a cerebral thriller that bends the mind, senses and imagination. Shedding his “Hangover” persona, Bradley Cooper seizes his first starring vehicle with sheer magnitude. He plays Eddie, a down-on-his-luck writer, who leads a rather mundane and unfulfilled life. But this all changes dramatically when he gains access to a pill that allows the user to utilize 100% of the brain's functions. From unkempt writer to power-hungry businessman, Cooper shows his versatility and range with apt fluidity. In a “Requiem for a Dream” approach, the film excels in the visual terrain. Spiraling like an acid trip through colors and imagery, but producing a wicked overdose that will leave you wanting for more. That being said, it doesn't come without side effects. The story, while stimulating, does forgo any logic despite being awfully intellectual. Plot holes and unnecessary villains fill the gaps between the doses and financial jargon. Yet the attuned narration and character awareness allows for a sleek ride through the mind when all else fails. So you can ask yourself: ‘what if a pill can make you rich and powerful?’ But the real question is: would you take it?

Rating: 3½ stars

Battle: Los Angeles

Release Date: Mar 11, 2011 

Runtime: 1 hr. 56 min. 

Director: Jonathan Liebesman 

Cast: Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, Ramon Rodríguez, Bridget Moynahan, Ne-Yo, Michael Peña.

Having survived natural disasters, buddy cops and cheesy rom-coms alike, the city of Los Angeles prepares to face its biggest adversary yet: extraterrestrials. But this is one battle that falls behind neutral lines. Riddled by movie clichés and amateur camerawork, “Battle: LA” does little to improve upon the 90’s favorite, “Independence Day.” But it does succeed in overshadowing its inferior counterpart, “Skyline.” From opening scene, the story propels into intense action that doesn’t relent until the closing credits. The character introductions seem run of the mill as they clearly take a backseat to the heavy artillery and explosions that encompass the film. At the forefront is U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Nantz, played with steely force by Aaron Eckhart, who must save civilians, while simultaneously ward off the celestial enemy. While Eckhart makes the most of his mediocre dialogue and back-story, the rest of the cast seems lost and futile. Bridget Moynahan, with her trivial role, seems like a wasted paycheck that could have been well spent on hiring a more experienced director. But all is well when Michelle Rodriguez is there to save the day, per usual, with her offhand attitude and mastery with guns. With an uninspired score and inconclusive finish, that’s the most you can ask for from a sci-fi war film.

Rating: 2½ stars

The Adjustment Bureau

Release Date: Mar 04, 2011 

Runtime: 1 hr. 39 min. 

Director: George Nolfi 

Cast: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Anthony Mackie, John Slattery, Michael Kelly, Terence Stamp.

 

Plagued by scheduling delays, “The Adjustment Bureau” seemed predestined to fail, both critically and commercially, even before its release date. But contrary to belief, the film’s perseverance on cast chemistry and likability makes it to be one of the first entertaining flicks of the year. Matt Damon stars as a politician running for Senate, whose fated path gets interrupted when he meets an alluring woman, played by Emily Blunt. This chance encounter thus sets in motion a ripple of events, resulting in a pursuit by the mysterious organization known as the ‘Adjustment Bureau.’ While outwardly appearing like a suspense thriller, the film wavers between genres; not quite action-packed enough to be a thriller, yet not sentimental enough to be a romantic comedy. Regardless, the attraction between the two stars is the central driving force, and one that surpasses many other hapless romances. Damon deserves credit for always being at the top of his game in every role he partakes, and Blunt is as charming as ever. Though the plot borrows elements from films, such as “Dark City,” “The Matrix” and even “Wanted,” it still manages to bring a refreshing quality to a subject matter that eludes us on a daily basis; whether things happen for a reason or if it’s merely up to chance. With mystical-powered hats and ill-fated love, the story can quickly become far-fetched and slightly cheesy. But the underlying philosophical message helps alleviate those flaws, while giving a narrative that’s rich with humor and romance. Mark this one under 'date night.'

Rating: 3½ stars