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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.

Rated: R [See Full Rating] for language, some violence and brief drug use.

Runtime: 82 mins

Genre: Dramas

Theatrical Release:Nov 21, 2008 Limited

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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Release:

Mar 31, 2009

[DVD Details]
 
 
  • 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. As he begins to take the drugs, an unexpected
  •  
     
     
     

    Reviews for Special

    • T-Meter Critics
    • Top Critics
    • RT Community
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    • DVD
     
     
    21 - 29 (sorted by date)
    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

    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]

    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)
    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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