Review of Special (2006) by Marco S — 26 Aug 2008
With the wacky concept and "The War At Home" star Michael Rapaport you wouldn't be a total idiot to expect "Special" to be a laugh riot, but this movie defies those expectations and is all the better for it. Following an amiable but depressed loser who takes part in a drug trial and believes the drugs are granting him super powers, this is first and foremost a drama about mental health and self-worth.
The movie is always explicit about the nature of these powers, so we're left to watch as our hero spirals tragically out of control, and its not always an easy watch. Its powered along by Rapaport's brilliantly engaging performance, ensuring that whatever he's getting up to you're with him all the way. Its interesting the movie is so clear cut about the truth of the matter, you wonder how things would play out with a little more ambiguity. On the one hand it would make for better after-movie discussions, but it likely wouldn't have been as emotionally affecting.
If you're a fan of independent films, that make up for their lack of glitz with truly memorable stories, then its easy to recommend this uplifting, often upsetting but unforgettable film.
This review of Special (2006) was written by Marco S on 26 Aug 2008.
Special has generally received positive reviews.
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