He’s able to complete his long-in-gestation novel almost immediately and begins making friends in high and powerful places. Realising the true potential of his newly-acquired powers, he turns his attention to the stock market and in no time at all, is able to make incredible financial leaps and bounds. This brings him to the attention of business mogul Carl Van Loon (Robert De Niro) who see’s Morra’s talents as a possible channel for making vast amounts of money.
Things begin to take a turn for the worst however, when Morra is faced with the debilitating and potentially fatal side effects of the wonder drug when his supply begins to run dangerously low. He also finds himself having to contend with a number of seedy characters who are in pursuit of him, all due to his dalliances with that magic pill.
Perhaps to be expected with a film dealing with a mild-altering substance, the visual aspects of the film are handled well, and the stylised lighting flourishes which occur when Morra is under the influence of NZT are effectively realised and lend the film a unique look – from the washed-out, pale world prior to life under the influence of the wonder drug, to the warm and sumptuous visual palette after the pill has been ingested. The fractured and warped-looking jumps in time which Morra experiences as one of the many side-effects are also impressive and suitable Fincher-esque in their conception.
Having provided able support in films like The Hangover and last year’s big screen adaptation of The A-Team, this is the first opportunity for Cooper to carry a film and he does so in an effortless manner. His has a charming and relaxed screen presence which really has you rooting for him, even when his new found abilities bring out less than appealing character traits. De Niro shows up and does his now mandatory solid acting turn™ which although impressive, is hardly a stretch for the famed actor. Australian actress and Morra’s lover interest, Abbie Cornish, doesn’t fare quite so well and is sadly underused in a role which, from the outset, feels a little underwritten anyway. Given her powerful and effecting performance as John Keats muse in last year’s Bright Star, this part of more of a step back, than forward, for the actress.
Limtless hits UK cinemas next Wednesday, 23rd March.
?[Rating:3/5]