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Special

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Special (2008)

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Reviews Counted:29

Fresh:16

Rotten:13

Average Rating:5.6/10

Consensus: This quirky indie comedy's low budget is readily apparent, but it's elevated by Michael Rapaport's dedicated performance.

Runtime: 82 mins

Genre: Dramas

US Box Office: $0

Synopsis: Les Franken (MICHAEL RAPAPORT) is a kind-hearted and soft-spoken man who loves reading comic books. He’s the type of guy who most people walk by on the street without even noticing; in essence,... Les Franken (MICHAEL RAPAPORT) is a kind-hearted and soft-spoken man who loves reading comic books. He’s the type of guy who most people walk by on the street without even noticing; in essence, he’s completely average and virtually invisible.

However, everything changes for Les the day he is accepted into an experimental drug study for a new and exciting anti-depressant, Specioprin Hydrochloride. As Les begins to take the drugs an unexpected side effect occurs – he begins to develop special powers: the ability to levitate, to read peoples’ minds, and even walk through walls.

Faced with the dilemma of how best to utilize his new “powers,” the answer seems obvious to Les. He puts together a homemade superhero suit and hits the streets to fight crime and protect the world from the forces of evil.

Surveillance video soon exposes Les and his actions to the public via television news and therefore brings him to the attention of the businessmen developing the drug. Worried about the bad publicity Les is bringing to their new anti-depressant, they attempt to put an end to his superhero antics before too much damage is done. However, in typical comic book fashion, Les sees the men from the drug company as his evil arch nemeses – “The Suits”— men who want him to join them in their evil plan to use ‘Special’ to create an army of unstoppable assassins. Les refuses to play ball. --© Magnolia Pictures [More]

Starring: Michael Rapaport, Paul Blackthorne, Josh Peck, Robert Baker

Starring: Michael Rapaport, Paul Blackthorne, Josh Peck, Robert Baker, Jack Kehler, Alexandra Holden, Ian Bohen, Christopher Darga

Director: Hal Haberman, Jeremy Passmore

Director: Hal Haberman, Jeremy Passmore
Screenwriter: Hal Haberman, Jeremy Passmore
Producer: Edward Parks, Frank Mele
Composer: Tom Wolfe, Manish Raval
Studio: Magnolia Pictures

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Reviews for Special

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21 - 29 (sorted by date; Australian critics are listed first)
Text View | |< << 1 2
Arrange By:Fresh | Rotten | Comments | Name | Source | Date
 
 

Prankster moviemaking about a superhero duel with p-harm-aceutical barons, certain to make the deadly warnings whispered in all those gleeful drug commercials flooding TV sets across America, to never sound quite the same again.

Full Review Source: NewsBlaze | comment Comment
11/14/08
Prairie Miller
Prairie Miller
NewsBlaze

Special enjoyably toys with some knockabout comedy until it begins to take itself too seriously.

Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
06/03/08
Robert Koehler
Robert Koehler
Variety
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Genuinely original in parts but this works as a comedy only in places.

Full Review Source: Empire Magazine | comment Comment
03/07/07
Kat Brown
Kat Brown
Empire Magazine
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

A good narrative feature with elements of comedy and drama, giving character actor Michael Rapaport a chance to really shine in a complex lead role.

Full Review Source: Cinematical | comment Comment
01/24/07
Jette Kernion
Jette Kernion
Cinematical

It's a tonally uncertain, unsatisfying muddle.

Full Review Source: Guardian [UK] | comment Comment
11/18/06
Peter Bradshaw
Peter Bradshaw
Guardian [UK]
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Enjoyable comedy drama with a clever premise, some hilarious gags and a great performance from Rapaport.

Full Review Source: ViewLondon | comment Comment
11/16/06
Matthew Turner
Matthew Turner
ViewLondon

A surprisingly engaging, provocative little film that's hard to get out of your head.

Full Review Source: Shadows on the Wall | comment Comment
10/01/06
Rich Cline
Rich Cline
Shadows on the Wall

Those who call themselves fans of the Rapaport are in for a huge treat, because the veteran character actor delivers one of the strongest performances of his career.

Full Review Source: eFilmCritic.com | comment Comment
01/30/06
Scott Weinberg
Scott Weinberg
eFilmCritic.com

With the often uproarious and always poignant comedy Special, co-screenwriters and directors Jeremy Passmore and Hal Haberman have created a moving and pertinent parable for our medicated times.

Full Review Source: Boxoffice Magazine | comment Comment
01/26/06
Ray Greene
Ray Greene
Boxoffice Magazine
 
 
21 - 29 (sorted by date; Australian critics are listed first)
Text View | |< << 1 2
all

Latest News for Special

November 27, 2008: Prankster moviemaking about a superhero duel with p-harm-aceutical barons, certain to make the deadly warnings whispered in all those gleeful drug commercials flooding TV sets across America, to never sound quite the same again. Opens in new window
More...

November 14, 2008: Prankster moviemaking about a superhero duel with p-harm-aceutical barons, certain to make the deadly warnings whispered in all those gleeful drug commercials flooding TV sets across America, to never sound quite the same again. Opens in new window
More...

November 03, 2008: Trailer & Poster review Opens in new window
More...

January 26, 2006: SUNDANCE: Weinberg's Sundance Scorecard
With Senh, Jen, and Terrible Tim Ryan roaming the streets of Park City, the Tomato readers have had plenty of Sundance reports to pick through. But I thought I'd contribute my... More...

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