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IMDbPro

Special

  • 20062006
  • RR
  • 1h 21m
IMDb RATING
6.8/10
5.7K
YOUR RATING
Michael Rapaport in Special (2006)
Metermaid Les Franken (Rapaport) has an unexpected reaction to the anti-depressant he's taking as part of a clinical trial; suddenly convinced he's a superhero, he embraces his new powers, dons a homemade costume, and takes on his arch-nemesis.
Play trailer1:36
1 Video
13 Photos
  • Comedy
  • Drama
  • Sci-Fi
A lonely comic book fan, Les Franken, has a reaction to medication and becomes convinced he's a superhero.A lonely comic book fan, Les Franken, has a reaction to medication and becomes convinced he's a superhero.A lonely comic book fan, Les Franken, has a reaction to medication and becomes convinced he's a superhero.
IMDb RATING
6.8/10
5.7K
YOUR RATING
  • Directors
    • Hal Haberman
    • Jeremy Passmore
  • Writers
    • Hal Haberman
    • Jeremy Passmore
  • Stars
    • Michael Rapaport
    • Paul Blackthorne
    • Josh Peck
Top credits
  • Directors
    • Hal Haberman
    • Jeremy Passmore
  • Writers
    • Hal Haberman
    • Jeremy Passmore
  • Stars
    • Michael Rapaport
    • Paul Blackthorne
    • Josh Peck
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 45User reviews
    • 48Critic reviews
    • 57Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 win & 4 nominations

    Videos1

    Special: Trailer
    Trailer 1:36
    Special: Trailer

    Photos13

    Alexandra Holden in Special (2006)
    Jeremy Passmore and Hal Haberman in Special (2006)
    Michael Rapaport in Special (2006)
    Michael Rapaport in Special (2006)
    Michael Rapaport and Josh Peck in Special (2006)
    Special (2006)
    Michael Rapaport, Jeremy Passmore, and Hal Haberman at an event for Special (2006)
    Michael Rapaport, Jeremy Passmore, and Hal Haberman at an event for Special (2006)
    Michael Rapaport at an event for Special (2006)
    Michael Rapaport at an event for Special (2006)
    Special (2006)
    Special (2006)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Michael Rapaport
    Michael Rapaport
    • Lesas Les
    Paul Blackthorne
    Paul Blackthorne
    • Jonas Exileras Jonas Exiler
    Josh Peck
    Josh Peck
    • Joeyas Joey
    Robert Baker
    Robert Baker
    • Everettas Everett
    Jack Kehler
    Jack Kehler
    • Dr. Dobsonas Dr. Dobson
    Alexandra Holden
    Alexandra Holden
    • Maggieas Maggie
    Ian Bohen
    Ian Bohen
    • Ted Exileras Ted Exiler
    Christopher Darga
    Christopher Darga
    • Steveas Steve
    Michael Shamus Wiles
    Michael Shamus Wiles
    • Cop #1as Cop #1
    Erich Anderson
    Erich Anderson
    • Newscasteras Newscaster
    Karyn Bryant
    Karyn Bryant
    • Co-hostas Co-host
    Trish Nelson
    Trish Nelson
    • Pregnant Teenas Pregnant Teen
    • (as Patricia Ann Nelson)
    Franc Ross
    Franc Ross
    • Crackheadas Crackhead
    Marc Schaffer
    Marc Schaffer
    • Gorcery Store Muggeras Gorcery Store Mugger
    • (as Marc Shaffer)
    Amanda Carlin
    Amanda Carlin
    • Mugging Victimas Mugging Victim
    Matthew Rugetti
    Matthew Rugetti
    • Muggeras Mugger
    • (as Matt Rugetti)
    Charlie Babcock
    Charlie Babcock
    • Comic Book Enthusiastas Comic Book Enthusiast
    Challen Cates
    Challen Cates
    • Business Womanas Business Woman
    • Directors
      • Hal Haberman
      • Jeremy Passmore
    • Writers
      • Hal Haberman
      • Jeremy Passmore
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Quotes

      Jonas Exiler: That was exciting. You have a genuine flair for making a scene, don't you, Les?

    • Connections
      References Destroy All Monsters (1968)
    • Soundtracks
      Fina
      Written by Bip Smedley and Kyle Hildenbrand

      Performed by Mortimer Smedley

    User reviews45

    Review
    Top review
    5/10
    Over-Serious and Smotheringly Dark, This is One Bitter Pill
    An introverted meter maid attempts to change his pathetic personal life by participating in an anti-anxiety drug study, but quickly runs into some psychotic side-effects. When the drug alters his perception of reality, his mind takes the cue to mean he's developed super powers, which he immediately applies to the streets as a self-styled hero. A dark comedy that's quite similar to Rainn Wilson's odd superhero send-up Super, it's often hopelessly lost in the deep, complicated middle ground between absurdist comedy and bleak, grizzled reality. Character actor and stand-up comic Michael Rapaport plays a good sympathetic lead, but his naive nature and good intentions only make the tribulations he endures that much more difficult for the viewing audience. It's a light, energetic first act that's backed by a tough, distressed greater story, and the frequent reminders that the protagonist is hallucinating steal most of the drama from its root concept. A troubling little package that can't quite settle its own private identity crisis.
    helpful•7
    4
    • drqshadow-reviews
    • Jul 30, 2012

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 17, 2006 (United Kingdom)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Special (RX) Specioprin Hydrochloride
    • Production company
      • Rival Pictures
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $1,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $7,202
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $3,232
      • Nov 23, 2008
    • Gross worldwide
      • $14,967
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 21 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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