“Limitless” is a variation on the moron-becomes-a-genius movie, seasoned with paranoid thrills and kept on track by star Bradley Cooper.

Cooper, who played Jennifer Garner’s guy pal in TV’s “Alias,” made a big impression as one of the funnymen in “The Hangover.” He has done ensemble work in releases like last year’s lamentable “The A-Team” and “Valentine’s Day,” but “Limitless” is his first try at really carrying a film.

And he’s good: funny, sexy and highly watchable. He’s no slouch as a dramatic actor, either, holding his own against Robert De Niro.... and he broke up with the Zellwegger girl. His world is ...Limitless!