"I used to dream about flying. It went the same way every night. I realized that I could fly. No, that’s not quite right. I realized there was no reason I couldn’t fly. And after that I float off the ground and soar above the city. But I haven't had that dream in awhile now. Lately, I dream about more ordinary things like doing my laundry, shopping for groceries, or riding on elevators. I wonder why that is..."I watched Special. I entered into it with cautious optimism. I completed my viewing with cautious optimism. After giving it much thought, I am now comfortable enough to say that I enjoyed this film. Still I straddle the line and don't know whether to give this a recommend. There's a good chance a huge cross section of people would not enjoy it.
Special is the story of a man, Les, who is taking an experimental drug. Les believes the drug is giving him super powers when in fact it is simply making him hallucinate. That's it. The meat of the story is Les's self exploration and personal journey. It may sound boring and anticlimactic (especially if you have seen the trailers) but that internal journey stuff really does it for me. Special was just pretentious enough to be effective. That line is ever so fine and I can easily see someone being totally turned off by the movie's posturing.
Michael Rapaport's portrayal of Les was shockingly good. Every role I have ever seen Rapaport in has left me with an unmistakable desire to punch him. Put lightly, I don't like him. He stole this film. I wanted to hug him in every scene! He was awkward and sad in a painfully sweet and endearing way. The supporting cast was fab as well. Josh Peck, ya know, from "Drake & Josh" fame... No? OK. Well Josh Peck is wonderful to watch. I adore this kid. Such a charismatic guy! Rapaport's love interest (who I knew from "Friends") is adorable. The Maggie character isn't in the forefront of the film, but when she finally gets her moment she is captivating!
What I'm getting at is this, Special was effective for me on numerous levels. I bought into the journey and the self examination. Will it effect you the same way? Who know... but it's worth a try.
3 comments:
I watched this films recently (streaming movies from Netflix, oh, how I love you), and much like you I generally want Mr. Rapaport to go away. However, he was great in this film (the only other one I like him in is True Romance.) You're dead on when you say this won't appeal to everyone, but to audiences who give this flick a chance, I think they will find a very unique film.
Seems that any movie that is reviewed these days are ones that are in my queue! It's a nice thing indeed and I highly second the love for instant watch!
I actually want to see this film and am glad to hear that you enjoyed it. I think the premise is interesting and it looks funny with a touch of drama tossed in.
But I am a fan of Rappaport in most of the films he has done, so that is a factor for my interest. He plays the bumbling buffoon a lot, but he does it well. In fact, I too think he is great in True Romance and I liked him in his bit part in Basketball Diaries too.
Bugg- I'm glad you enjoyed it as well!
Matt- I'm curious to hear what you think. There is a lot less humor than I expected. But it worked...
Keep me posted if you watch it!
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