Special (2005)

Special (2005)
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An unremarkable parking-enforcement officer living a low-key existence of solitary lunches in the park, lonely dinners at home, and superhero comics that at least afford him the quiet release of fantasy enrolls into a clinical trial for antidepressant pills, only to find that it has some decidedly unexpected side effects, in directors Hal Haberman and Jeremy Passmore's quirky comic-book superhero comedy. Les Franken (Michael Rappaport) leads an unassuming life that rarely deviates from a strict regiment of working, eating, sleeping, and comic book reading. His only two friends are a pair of stoners who own a local comic shop, so Les determines to shake things up a bit by volunteering as a test subject for an experimental drug designed to curb depression. When the drug appears to give Les special powers, the doctor in charge of the clinical controlled test insists that Les is simply experiencing an unanticipated psychological reaction to the medication. But Les is convinced that his powers are genuine, and as he ditches his work uniform in favor of more superhero-appropriate threads, he is about to find out once and for all whether he truly is able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, or his depression, combined with the strange side-effects of the drug, has somehow propelled his superhero fantasies to the forefront of his damaged psyche. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Starring:
Michael RapaportPaul Blackthorne, (more)
Director(s):
Jeremy PassmoreHal Haberman, (more)
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Special

An unremarkable parking-enforcement officer living a low-key existence of solitary lunches in the park, lonely dinners at home, and superhero comics that at least afford him the quiet release of fantasy enrolls into a clinical trial for antidepressant pills, only to find that it has some decidedly unexpected side effects, in directors Hal Haberman and Jeremy Passmore's quirky comic-book superhero comedy. Les Franken (Michael Rappaport) leads an unassuming life that rarely deviates from a strict regiment of working, eating, sleeping, and comic book reading. His only two friends are a pair of stoners who own a local comic shop, so Les determines to shake things up a bit by volunteering as a test subject for an experimental drug designed to curb depression. When the drug appears to give Les special powers, the doctor in charge of the clinical controlled test insists that Les is simply experiencing an unanticipated psychological reaction to the medication. But Les is convinced that his powers are genuine, and as he ditches his work uniform in favor of more superhero-appropriate threads, he is about to find out once and for all whether he truly is able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, or his depression, combined with the strange side-effects of the drug, has somehow propelled his superhero fantasies to the forefront of his damaged psyche. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
81 mins

Complete Cast of Special


Director(s):
Hal HabermanJeremy Passmore
Writer(s):
Jeremy PassmoreHal Haberman
Producer(s):
Frank MeleEd Parks
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Drug Content, Violence, Profanity)
Categories:
DramaComedy
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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    Member Reviews
     
    Alphonso and Lisa B.

    I thought this was a great story, But you have to pay attention or you'll be one of these people who don't get it. Just keep this in mind: 1. Its not a comedy!!! even though its has funny moments. 2. its not what you think :) Worth your time!

    Yes   |   No

     
    Robert P.

    I did not think this movie was particularly outstanding. Nor did I think it was especially bad. It has plenty of funny moments and it deals with serious subject matter. You will have to decide for yourself if it's a serious comedy or a funny drama. It is worth watching once.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Daniel Q.

    There is something truly "special" about this film and his name is Michael Rapaport. Rapaport takes the role of a comic book nerd who is given a drug that makes him think he is a super hero. The acting is perfect and the story is incredibly original. This movie is similar in style to the Woody Harrelson starer "Defendor", however, this is a superior film in many levels. Overall, it's a well acted, at times hilarious, and at times sad dark dramedy, about a delusional man who thinks he has super powers. 8/10

    Yes   |   No

     
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