Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Story centered on drug abuse sends very iffy messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Limitless
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 21 parent reviews
Based on 36 kid reviews
Kids say the movie revolves around heavy themes of drug use and violence, which are prevalent throughout the story and lead to mixed messages about the consequences of such behaviors. While some reviews appreciate the engaging plot and performances, many express concern that it is inappropriate for younger audiences due to its intense content, suggesting a more suitable rating than PG-13.
- drug themes
- violence prevalent
- mixed messages
- parental caution
- suitable for teens
- intense content
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) is a slovenly writer who's supposedly working on a sci-fi novel, but he can't quite motivate himself to write a single word. His girlfriend, Lindy (Abbie Cornish), gets tired of it and breaks up with him. Then an old acquaintance gives him a pill called NZT that suddenly makes everything clear, boosting his concentration and knowledge to extraordinary levels. He gets hold of an entire supply of NZT and sets out to satisfy his desire for more money and power. Unfortunately, loan sharks are after him -- as are as thugs involved with the drug's illegal manufacture. Worst of all, Eddie gets mixed up with a financial wizard (Robert De Niro) who may be more dangerous than any of the others. Can Eddie ever get his life back? Does he want to?
Is It Any Good?
With LIMITLESS, director Neil Burger (The Lucky Ones) delivers a sci-fi thriller much like his earlier The Illusionist, but cleverer and more playful. In a way, the movie is as involving and addictive as the fictitious drug it conjures up. Burger cooks up many tricks, including a lighting scheme that visually illustrates the effects of the drug, as well as a memorable sequence depicting an 18-hour blackout that the hero experiences while on the drug.
Yes, the movie basically celebrates consequence-free behavior, but it also succeeds in tapping into a general human dissatisfaction and offering a vicarious escape (which, in a way, makes the iffiness of its messages even more questionable for teens!). Meanwhile, Burger guides Cooper through an appealing performance, and he's matched by De Niro in a snaky supporting role, as well as many other terrific turns in smaller parts. Ultimately, Limitless is a strong combination of the all-too-rare pairing of sci-fi ideas and human emotions, but it's best suited for adults.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the movie portrays drug use. What are the consequences? Does that seem realistic? If a drug like NZT was real, what do you think would happen to people who took it?
How can people find confidence and motivation without the use of illegal substances?
Is the movie's violence scary or threatening? How is the violence affected by the idea that the main character is in control of everything that happens?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 18, 2011
- On DVD or streaming : July 19, 2011
- Cast : Abbie Cornish , Bradley Cooper , Robert De Niro
- Director : Neil Burger
- Studios : Relativity Media , Rogue Pictures
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material involving a drug, violence including disturbing images, sexuality and language
- Last updated : August 1, 2022
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