S.L.I.F.F. Review: ‘Special’

Ram Man:

This one took the long way to the local theater. Originally released in 2006  in England, making stops in Austin, Texas and killing at Sundance, ‘Special’ is finally set to be released in the U.S.A. Michael Rapaport (Prison Break) plays the lead character, Les, who goes from ordinary to extraordinary with just one pill. And they say “No” to drugs. Les (Rappaport) is a meter-maid who dreams of being more that just the average “joe”. Les signs up for an experimental drug test for some extra cash that has heroic side effects… to Les.   The medication known as Special and looks like Buy Viagra in AU, after just one dose has Les thinking he can levitate, read people thoughts, and he can walk through walls. He runs to share the news with his friends Joey and Everett (Josh Peck, Robert Baker) at the comic book store. Joey and Everett think Les is fooling around and think nothing of the imaginary powers. Les decides to become the next “Dark Knight” combing the streets looking for criminals to bring to justice. After a few sightings by mini-mart surveillance cameras of Les “tackling” would-be criminals, the police are on his trail. Les comes up with a silver jumpsuit resembling Gort from ‘The Day The Earth Stood Still’ with the logo for the medication “Special” on his back. Dr. Dobson (Jack Kehler) who was running the test, sees Les’ alter ego and knows they are in big trouble. Enter the “suits” from the drug company, Jonas and Ted Exiler, brothers that have purchased the drug and plan to turn it into millions. the last thing they need is a lawsuit from a meter maid that thinks he’s Bat Man. In a frantic race to the climax of the film everyone is after Les. His friends want to help him, his doctor wants to get the medication out of his system, and the suits want him quiet or dead! Michael Rapaport is a wonderful character actor and provides a few laughs in this touching film about an ordinary guy who just want to do the right thing. This is an art-house film and may not be at the local mega-plex. So take the time to locate it when it’s playing in your area. Anyone in St. Louis, the St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF) is showing ‘Special’ on Monday November 17th at 9:15 pm. at the Plaza Frontenac Theater. [Overall: 3.75 stars out of 5] Festival Screening Date: Monday, November 17 @ 9:15pm (Frontenac)