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 Music Never Stopped (2011)

Be patient.  This story takes a little time to get going.  The character develpment is thorough and delicious.  The pay-off is worth the wait.

If you are a child of the 60's, or a fan of that decade's music, or if you are just a hippie at heart, you will most likely enjoy this movie.  On the other hand, it may just make you angry all over again.

This is partially a movie about the power of music.  But it is also about generation gap bridging, family relationships, and the power of the human mind.

J. K. Simmons does his usual excellent job of playing a 2-dimentional Dad.  Lou Taylor Pucci is "The Last Hippie".  Actually the movie is based on an essay of that title.

Julia Ormond plays professor looking into the impact music has on memory and the mind in general.  Cara Seymour plays the torn wife and mother of the two main characters.  Well played everyone!

Watch this movie wearing something tie-dyed.