Customer Reviews

Special

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Anyone who is a fan of Michael Rappaport is sure to love this movie but even if you aren't a known fan of his, this movie has a lot to offer.

I would suggest not reading too much about the plot because honestly I felt the way they promoted this movie was right, they just stuck to telling you he takes an experimental drug and gets super powers. But the synopsis on just about every site out there spoils a fairly early "twist" and I ddon't see any reason for it.

Without giving much away this movie has a lot of really nice "human" moments. Those moments that most people out there can really connect to the character with. Some are funny, some are sad, some are just plain strange.

But one thing this movie doesn't do is disappoint.

If you are unsure, either download it from Amazon Unbox or rent the movie from your preferred renter, but definitely give this movie a shot, you may find, like me, that it will make a spot on your DVD shelf to call it's home.

I don't want to give details here because it would spoil the movie for you. I just want to say that this was an interesting, creative movie. It wasn't at all what I expected from reading the DVD cover. There was a twist I can't go into detail about without giving a spoiler. Regardless, I found myself very interested all the way through. Watching this movie was kind of like working on a puzzle, and the viewer has to solve it. The lead actor was excellent and the story was, well... strange but intriguing. I don't know anything about the behind the scenes issues with this movie, but I'd guess it was low budget, independent film because of the style of shooting and the quirkiness of the story. I would say that this would be a movie to rent if you have already seen those on the top of your list.

"Special"
(Magnet Films, 2009)
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This is an intense, and rather depressing film about a mild-mannered Joe Schmoe (wonderfully played by Michael Rapaport) who thinks he has tapped into his hidden superpowers after he takes part in an experimental drug program. Is what he experiences real or not? Well, the film actually answers this question immediately: he is in fact delusional, but because his delusions involve a sense of power and invulnerability, he soon places himself in great physical danger.

Rapaport is quite good in this role, giving a moving, multi-layered performance, and he is generally matched by his supporting cast. (Particularly strong are his schlubby friends, who own a comicbook store -- their reactions to the announcement that their friend has superpowers is *not* what you'd expect.) Although towards the finish, this film becomes unrelentingly bleak and harsh, it is an interesting exploration of the psychology and mythology of "specialness" which pervades American culture. Are we all special? Should we hope to be? Here's one perspective that you might not have seen before... And certainly a strong role for Rapaport, whose puppy-dog qualities have seldom been used so well. (Joe Sixpack, Slipcue film blog)

It's not easy being special, but it is easier than being ordinary, than having to remind yourself day in and out that you do something important just to make it through the day.

A small pharmaceutical company is testing a new drug that promises to make its users unique, and an ordinary guy (Michael Rappaport) signs up. He begins to notice changes very quickly, and is certain that with his new powers he can change the world. But not everyone wants him to have powers, and men in suits are out to get him; even some of his friends refuse to believe in him when confronted with the evidence.

This is a small and subtle film about an ordinary lonely guy who needs to believe in himself. Michael Rapaport is convincing in the lead role, though most of the other characters are underdeveloped. The story is novel and intelligent, thematically close to films like Taxi Driver, with a lighter touch but a less assured tone and look. The settings and lighting are spare and appropriate, but the handheld camera seemed at odds with the formalistic and tight framing of the shots. Sometimes handheld lends an aura of authenticity - but here given the scarcity of camera movement, it seemed odd they didn't put the camera on a tripod.

An intriguing character study, and a thoughtful exploration of the superhero genre; well worth watching for those who like indie films.

This is what I watch movies for. This is what keeps me searching through the endless piles of junk. This movie is a story that will linger. Completely memorable, and brilliant! One of the best movies I've seen in a while.

I only write reviews for things which I really love or really hate! Needless to say (as my 5 stars indicate), I really love this one! I bought this for 2.99 when our local DVD rental store was having a sale. I fully expected that, like so many other movies on DVD, I would last about 5 min. and toss it. To my pleasant surprise this film kept surprising me. The acting is really great and the story line is engaging and very unique. The marketing people for this studio didn't do their job because this film deserves to be much more well known. You can't go wrong with this one.

The film is phenomenal. Rapaport delivers an almost unexpected dedicated and amazing performance. 'Special's low budget is more than obvious, however, the sum is greater than the parts with this cinematic gem. This movie had me laughing, gasping, holding my breath and wiping my tears.

The movie embodies many of the superhero myths, while also embracing the awkward, sardonic and melancholic mood of an independent film. Les Franken, a stereotypical comic fanboy, gains super abilities while taking an experimental anti-depressant. Les attempts heroism with a deceiving new lease on life, and ends up fighting in the most epic battle he's ever faced, most of which takes place within his mind. His sense of reality and self is challenged in almost every way. Poor self-esteem being Les's ultimate weakness, his ego is the only thing holding him back from facing down his antagonists and psychological demons.

The film has a subtle message on the ethics of the pharmaceutical industry, or lack their of, but 'Special' ends with a much more profound lesson about a man's resolve.. the will to not be defeated, and what it means to be a hero, even if it's just your own.

Highly Recommended, But with a warning: It's well crafted but low-budget

How on earth did anyone find a reason to give this total waist of time and money anything more than one star?
A 'nowhere man' enters a drug trial that makes him think he has super powers.
Looks like it was filmed on a home cell phone.
Drug company tries to silence him to save money.
Grass makes you think of pizza.
Camoflage makes you immune to a hit and run.
If this post seems a bit disjointed, you are getting a sence of this senceless plot.
DON'T WAIST YOUR TIME OR MONEY.

This is movie about a pathetic man who desires to do good, his "chance" comes after being adversely affected by psychotropic drugs during an unauthorized medical study. Even down and defeated, he holds true. YOU MUST SEE THIS MOVIE FROM BEGINING TO END, to 'get" it. Trust me, you'll see.

I purchased the European Release a long while ago, and this is a fantastic movie! It's funny and clever, you won't see it coming (regarding the cashier), and suspenseful all in a very hectic sort of way. I really wish this film had more notoriety because I think that more people would benefit from viewing this film.