Limitless (2011)

Definitely NOT formula.  Boy loses girl.  Boy loses mind.  Boy takes a pill and his world changes.

Bradley Cooper is that boy.  His famous blue eyes change as does his character's personality.  There is a great use of color and CG extra FX.  I don't usually like movies with what I call MTV editing, but this movie finds just the right mix.  Kudos to Neil Burger.  I also liked his treatment of The Lucky Ones (see previous review).

Robert De Niro is cast is a curious role here, far less gritty than his norm.  But, he does a very good in roles that might otherwise have gone to somebody like Michael Douglas, Pierce Brosnan, or John Houseman.  Abbie Cornish is love interest, and if you have not seen her before, this is a very good introduction.  Nice range, great look

No spoilers here, but are we set up perfectly for a sequel? I do hope so.

Watch this movie with someone who wishes they could use a little more of their brain power.

The A-Team (2010)

This is a very worthy adaptation of the old TV series of the same name. Didn't see the TV series, no worries. You can still enjoy the movie - character set up is excellent. I love it when a movie starts telling the story before they run the opening credits.

While the story shows scenes from all over the planet, scenes with actors were shot almost exclusively in Canada. Liam Neeson, plays the leader of an Alpha-team of misfits. Despite being a non-smoker, he appears to love the Colonel's signature cigar. Bradley Cooper plays the charming schemer and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (yes, of UFC, MMF, and WWF fame) reprises the role made famous by Mr. T.. Jessica Beal is delightful as the Capt. Sosa trying to catch them all.

The biggest surprise is the performance by Sharlto Copley. His "functional lunatic" character is comic glue that keeps this movie from taking itself too seriously. I enjoyed his role here much more than his District 9 character.

Although this is another in a long line of movies where you may have trouble figuring out who the bad guys really are, rest assured, you will know in the end. No spoilers here.

Watch this fun action comedy with someone who won't get hung up on the differences or similarities between this movie and the TV series.