In case you missed it … ‘The Specials’

Basically, this movie really kind of sucks. On the other hand, and this may just be coming from my years of being a comic book geek as a kid, its also kind of cool … in a sad, pathetic way. The Specials, directed Craig Mazin, which says a lot right there, is a terribly written movie with a silly story. As far as I can tell, its intended to be using the “superhero” idea to tell a story about the ups and downs of friendship … then again, it may just be an attempt to parody something many of us love. Either way, its a movie that only those with a childish fascination with comic books can appreciate … even if its a closet appreciation kept secret from others.

In the movie, The Specials are the 6th or 7th best superhero team in the world. Troubled by their lack of popularity, their leader devises a plan to increase their fans by releasing a series of action figures promoting The Specials. Amidst tension within the ranks of The Specials, opinions are mixed regarding the new business venture and the sudden call for maturity and professionalism by the team’s leader, the great Strobe. After the action figures are unveiled at a public press event, the team realizes the entire campaign has been a complete catastrophic failure. With team members frustrated and angry with one another, the fate of The Specials is in jeopardy.

Who are The Specials? The great Strobe (Thomas Haden Church) shoots laser-beams out his arms, Ms. Indestructible (Paget Brewster) has indestructible skin, the blue-skinned anti-matter throwing Amok (Jamie Kennedy), The Weevil (Rob Lowe) makes people like him, Power Chick (Kelly Coffield) can take on the characteristics of any element she touches, Deadly Girl (Judy Greer) can summon the dead and teleport in and out of the underworld, Minute Man (James Gunn) can shrink himself, the shape-shifting Alien Orphan (Sean Gunn) is an idiot alien that crash-landed on Earth, the incredibly strong [and dumb] U.S. Bill (Mike Schwartz), Mr. Smart (Jim Zulevic) the smartest man on Earth, Nightbird (Jordan Ladd) the team’s rookie with “bird powers” and Eight, who is actually eight different people with a single collective consciousness.

Who are the villains? Well, there aren’t any … but, Amok used to be one when he was a teenager. There are however, several other super-teams like The Crusaders and the Sunlight Grrrll from the Femme Five, which is actually got eight members. Most are gonna hate this movie. In all honesty, I’m surprised I enjoyed it at all. If you’re a serious comic book geek, or just glutton for punishment … give it a try.