Capsule reviews: 'Paul,' 'Limitless'

In this film publicity image released by Relativity Media, Robert De Niro, left, and Bradley Cooper are shown in a scene from "Limitless." (AP Photo/Relativity Media, John Baer)
In this film publicity image released by Universal Pictures, from left, Simon Pegg, Kristen Wiig, Nick Frost and Paul the alien, voiced by Seth Rogen, are shown in a scene from the film, "Paul." (AP Photo/Universal Pictures)— AP
In this film publicity image released by Lionsgate, Matthew McConaughey, left, and Ryan Phillippe are shown in a scene from "The Lincoln Lawyer." (AP Photo/Lionsgate, Saeed Adyani)— AP

Capsule reviews of films opening this week:

"Limitless" - Bradley Cooper shows he can truly act, truly command a screen - and not just swagger and preen - and his performance goes a long way toward making this sci-fi thriller more entertaining, and more plausible, than it probably should be. Cooper stars as Eddie Morra, a struggling and depressed New York writer who takes a magical pill called NZT that allows him to tap into his full potential. Suddenly, he's not only pounding out chapters, he's cleaning up, picking up new interests, learning new languages and wowing everyone he meets. More importantly and more realistically, he does the thing we'd all do with frighteningly expanded brain power: He turns it into a way to make millions of dollars. Fast. Director Neil Burger, whose first feature was the intriguing "Interview With the Assassin" from 2002, moves the story forward with an infectious energy. He probably didn't need to rely on some of the visual tricks he employs, though - words dropping from the ceiling to indicate a break in Eddie's writer's block, or multiple Eddies accomplishing tasks around the house. Still, Cooper is surprisingly good as the shlubby, stubbly version of his character in the beginning, and as the wildly improved version of himself on NZT. Robert De Niro is quietly fierce (and does some of his best work in a while) as the financial guru who's fascinated by Eddie, while Abbie Cornish probably doesn't get enough to do as Eddie's on-again, off-again girlfriend, who's skeptical of the new him. PG-13 for thematic material involving a drug, violence including disturbing images, sexuality and language. 105 min. Three stars out of four.

- Christy Lemire, AP Movie Critic


"The Lincoln Lawyer" -Matthew McConaughey stars as a lawyer who drives around Los Angeles ... in a Lincoln. It has nothing to do with the capital of Nebraska or the former president. While you're watching it, though, you'll wish it did. Director Brad Furman's film, which John Romano wrote based on the Michael Connelly novel, has the slick, disposable feel of the sort of legal drama you could find any night of the week on primetime TV. From the opening titles and underdeveloped characters to the quick pacing and flat lighting, "The Lincoln Lawyer" seems insubstantial, recycled and forgettable. McConaughey plays Mick Haller, a cocky, sleazy defense attorney who thinks he's got it all figured out. But, because this is a McConaughey movie, his character will have his comeuppance, and it comes in the form of a high-profile case. Beverly Hills real estate heir Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe) is accused in the rape and attempted murder of a prostitute. Louis insists he's innocent, so it should be no problem. But this pretty boy is, naturally more dangerous than he looks. Despite the many twists and turns, Mick actually ends up learning nothing and has no arc. Among the strong but woefully underused supporting cast are Marisa Tomei as Mick's ex-wife; William H. Macy as his best friend, a private investigator; and Bryan Cranston as a homicide detective whose screen time looks suspiciously truncated. R for some violence, sexual content and language. 119 minutes. One and a half stars out of four.


