Limitless

Aspiring author Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) is suffering from severe writers block. His life is a sorry existence until a chance meeting with an old friend, who introduces him to NZT, a revolutionary new drug that allows him to engage 100% of his brains capacity. After overcoming writers block he soon takes wall street by storm. This in turn alerts many around him of his ways to the top and to the whereabouts of his secret stash. His own safety is a constant worry and with the drugs side-effects slowly wearing him down, Eddie has little time to outwit the oncoming threats.

Limitless as a concept is very intriguing. The human brain's ability to only use 20% of your brain and finding a drug which can enhance and allow you to use the other 80% is a very interesting idea for a film. Especially in this day and age of awful remakes and sequels. However, for a plot that entails super intelligent human beings, the screenplay is surprisingly dumb. However ironic this is, its not an act of genius from the director but more a Fax pas on bad scriptwriting.

What would the worlds most intelligent man do with all of his knowledge and capabilities? I would hope the greed and narrow mindedness of human nature would prevail due to a higher sense of purpose and being. But i guess that is somewhat wishful thinking with a blockbuster.

I felt this film wasn't daring enough in its exploration of what this situation might entail, questioning rather than boasting in the flashy surfaces of power and wealth. Or the American dream gone wrong..

Regardless of this, the film is actually very engaging and moved with considerable style. But i hope super intelligence does not involve alot of nauseating quick cuts and zoomed in fish eye lens camera work..

Bradley Cooper is somewhat more believable than his previous roles. He always brings charisma and vitality to the role. This is also attached to his own smugness which makes the lead character somewhat a nuisance to confide and empathise with.

I guess the trick to this film is to do exactly the opposite of the plot. Turn your brain off, sit back and enjoy.

3/5

The Eagle

Set in 140 AD in roman ruled Britain, a young solider (Channing Tatum) endeavours to honour his fathers memory by finding his lost legions golden eagle. Aided by his slave (Jamie Bell), they venture beyond the known world on a resilient quest that pushes their boundaries of loyalty and respect to the end.

There is plenty of grit and craft on display in this feature and alot to enjoy about it. This is not your typical sword and sandal cheese fest. To start with, the cinematography and location scenery are breathtaking. Filmed in Scotland and Hungary (mostly for the sunshine scenes i imagine), the details stay very true to its origin.
Almost from the outset the corny plot is forgiven with engaging performances from Bell and Tatum. The two play off each other admirably and the message of betrayal, trust and honour is understood and conveyed clearly.

The two sides to this story are portrayed with accuracy, whilst perhaps it is not as historically true. The opening 20 minutes we are submerged into roman life. The thick American accents and homoerotic compassion can be somewhat misleading to historical fact and we are left with the alarming thought of over an hour of Channing Tatum as our furry browed, deadpan hero leading us to the eject button.

All is forgiven and forgotten very soon, once they venture into the mysterious highlands of the Gaelic speaking land of the painted people.
Portrayed in a rather over the top barbaric, yet honourable fashion, the tribe of the painted people are truly a fascinating race and this is what helps the otherwise looming plot from becoming stagnant.

But the accents and history can be ignored and forgiven as this film really gives more enjoyment than the sullen satisfaction of previous contemporary pieces. The action scenes are engaging and lifelike, perhaps due to the lack of CGI that plagues our screens.
All in all a very enjoyable viewing that ignites some boyish enthusiasm of war and honour that has been somewhat lacking from most periodic pieces. A surprisingly and hugely entertaining film..


5/5