Bloglander

Ummmmm. Nope. I can't think of a single thing that would be more insulting to this week's movies than their mere existence, so ... enjoy?

LIMITLESS
Bradley Cooper writes his genius novel in four days. He’s driven to do sit-ups. Hell, his eyes even get bluer. And thanks to one small pill. Cool! Not so much, it turns out. Limitless is passably entertaining, but it takes no risks. There’s some original style here, some startling visuals that replicate our hero’s amplified perception of the world. And Cooper is very appealing. But something essential is missing, something that would make it truly sing as science fiction, as action, as drama. (MJ) Rated PG-13 | SHOWTIMES

THE LINCOLN LAWYER
In an attempt to break free from shallow rom coms, Texan super-stud Matthew McConaughey has decided to wade ankle-deep into the mass-market end of the courtroom drama pool. Good for him: showing range. He plays a down-and-out lawyer, with legal offices in the backseat of his Continental (Lincoln Continental, get it?), who gets saddled with two clients — one a spoiled rich kid and one an unspoiled poor kid. Gradually it becomes clear the two cases are linked. Guess who’s getting screwed: rich kid or poor kid? (LB) Rated R | SHOWTIMES

[thumb up] PAUL
It’s the old science-fiction-nerds-meet-an-alien plot. It’s also a road movie and a darn funny comedy. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) are the RV-driving Brits looking for American UFO hot spots, and Seth Rogen (just a tad more laid-back than usual, but still hilariously raucous) voices the little alien named Paul. The film offers and makes fun of many sci-fi clichés, keeps up a sense of wonder, and will make a great number of audience members snort with laughter. (ES) Rated R | SHOWTIMES