TWO NON-NON-BLONDES: I enjoyed both Limitless and The Lincoln Lawyer this weekend, a pair of films about pretty boys being forced to use their brains in new and creative ways. Each film has one pretty odd logical gap: if you've become supersmart through your supersmart pill, isn't the first thing you do ensuring an unlimited supply of the drug? In the latter, well, there are some questionable assertions as to the power of Realtors, and I'll leave it at that.
Both films have side attractions of note: the Philadelphians among us will appreciate Limitless for its repositioning multiple local sites to New York City -- including the Marathon Grill at 18th and Market and the former AAA Building at 21st and Market (both flanking my office), Del Frisco's, Union Trust, Rittenhouse Square and The Happy Rooster; and for Lincoln Lawyer it's the deep supporting cast with folks like Bryan Cranston, William H. Macy and Frances Fisher all used well in small doses. Also, Limitless has towards the end an incredibly silly moment that had the audience tittering with anticipation (hell, I shouted "do it!"), and you'll know it when you see it.
Neither film is essential viewing; both fall under the category of "if you were thinking about seeing this movie, you'll probably like it." I can't say that either Cooper or McConaughey have wrested the That Guy crown from the other quite yet, but I think the universe has room for both.
