The Specials (2000) User Reviews

A brilliant idea well-played

[Nigel St. Buggering · 7/10 · 4 October 2001]

From the people who brought us "Free Enterprise", "The Specials" is clearly made by the same caliber of geek, but this time it dives into the fantasy. The conceit of this film is pure genius: make a superhero movie in which there are no battles, and nobody uses their powers; just focus on their personal lives and interpersonal conflicts, and play it mostly for laughs. I've seen several reviews here for whom that itself is the complaint. Let them go back to watching "Spawn". Those of you who are able to see the potential in the concept are in for a treat.

Going in, I'd only heard of Rob Lowe and Thomas Haden Church, both of whom are excellent. The surprise is that the rest of the cast keeps step all the way. They all understand the joke here, which is that they are not in on the joke. They're funny by way of taking it utterly seriously. This is not the "Airplane" of superhero movies. These people are completely serious about their past exploits and their powers, which we glimpse only briefly, and hear of in conversation.

The movie's length is perfect. It clocks in at under 80 minutes, disappearing long before the idea becomes tired or overused. I actually wanted to see more, which is far preferable to wishing it were over sooner. I could actually see a TV series based on this concept.

7 out of 10.

Deserves a video re-release

[treemarc · 7/10 · 7 August 2005]

I rarely rent DVDs, because I see a theatrical film about every other week, and have about 35 movie channels & a DVR to catch the more obscure ones. After reading The Scarecrow Video Guide, I decided to join Netflix and made a list of out-of-the-mainstream movies , and old classics I'd missed. The Specials was the first one I watched.

At the time this was made, it's no wonder it didn't get much of a release. Rob Lowe, was still in the early stages of his West Wing comeback, Thomas Hayden Church was a barely remembered sitcom has-been, & Jamie Kennedy was primarily known as the annoying guy from Scream. The rest of the cast was pretty much unknown. (The trailer on the DVD lists Melissa Joan Hart 4th, despite the fact that she appears in exactly one scene.) On top of the cast issues, the plot sounds similar to Mystery Men, which had bombed a year earlier.

Now, Lowe is respected again, Kennedy is an above the title star (nevermind the quality of the titles), and Hayden-Church is an Oscar nominee. Meanwhile most of the rest of the cast have become cult TV/film favorites... Sean Gunn from Gilmore Girls, Judy Greer from Arrested Development, Paget Brewster from Andy Richter and Huff, and Jordan Ladd from Cabin Fever and Club Dread.

The fun script is what holds it together. Written by (and co-starring) Sean Gunn's brother James halfway between his Troma stint and the unbearable Scooby Doo 2, it's a creative look at the mundane part of being a super-hero. Unlike Mystery Men, which depended too much on special effects, this film has virtually NO action. It's just a series of amusing character pieces. It never really delivers on laughs (except when the gang gets their own action figures), but it's consistently interesting and different. When the film gets to the goofy musical/dance scene so common nowadays, the song featured is not a pop hit, but an obscure 70's novelty song. I found myself grinning ear to ear, despite the fact that it serves NO purpose.

The direction is flat, but fitting to the subject matter. All in all, a fun way to spend 90 minutes and certainly worth a rental.

Next on my film adventure- Steven Soderburgh's Schitzopolis!

Makes you wish you were one of them.

[pro_crustes · 7/10 · 24 August 2001]

This low-budget improvement on Mystery Men is about real people with slightly unreal abilities that don't save them from personal problems you'll recognize. What saves them is each other. As a bunch of misfits with only their very mild "super" powers and illusions(?) about fighting evil to bind them, this bunch of pretty much ordinary folks is doing the best it can. You see nothing, really, of their comic-book abilities. Instead, we see how they deal with the notion that they have something to contribute to a world that doesn't really appreciate them as it should. Which, I dare say, will reach a lot of the intended audience of this film.

I can't quite explain why, but the close-up look at mostly banal daily problems affecting these earnest do-gooders was heartening. They mean well, even if they can't quite cope any better than the rest of us. That's something we all wish we could say about ourselves, and know it was true. For this bunch, it is true and, deep inside, they do know it. That's, maybe, what actually makes them special. Their lives are a mix of joy and sorrow, victory and defeat, humor and despair. They are probably more fun to watch than to be, but if there were a bunch like this operating in my town, I'd want to join.

Eric Rohmer directs MYSTERY MEN

[nunculus · 28 February 2000]

Nifty low-budget variant on MYSTERY MEN, with a script that's about four times as good. Here, the superheroes are less dysfunctional and more beset by the amorous pangs and gnawing dissatisfactions of everyday life; the humor ranges from the gulpingly broad to the surprisingly observant, deft, life-sized. The movie is visually hideous, but the script is astonishingly lively, and some members of the cast burst out at you. As the Shatneresque team leader, the Strobe, Thomas Haden Church is like a concentrated Swat team of extreme earnestness. And there is a lovely scene--not really funny, but you can feel the audience beaming at it--in which a mongoloid "space orphan," dandled like a pinhead mascot through most of the movie, takes the stage at a techno nightclub and breakdances to "Life Is a Rock (But the Radio Rolled Me)."

Not as overhyped as other superhero movies, but definately better than most

[Retro-9 · 7/10 · 31 January 2002]

No explosions or special effect eye candy, but The Specials is a movie that works - it's a keeper.

A lot of the appeal of this movie is how it works the genre. I really like the satirical "grounded" superhero style found in movies like The Specials and Mystery Men. Both have just the right amount of class, camp, black humour, and originality for my tastes. Both also feature GREAT performances by their ensemble casts. The Specials is however a LOT harder to find on store shelves and in rental outlets.

The DVD release turned out to be a real treat.. the commentary track by director Craig Mazin, writer/actor James Gunn and producer Mark A. Altman is a gas - funny, edgey and candid... all DVD commentaries should be this much fun.

Great Concept, Horrible execution

[lmmarti · 4/10 · 24 August 2006]

The specials, like Mystery Men, could have been a truly great cult classic. Instead, we are left with a wildly uneven film that can go from brilliant to inane in just a few seconds. While this movie does have a truly inspired premise as well as some well thought out and well written gags. This is especially true for the power of the newest special, Birdgirl. Another great aspect is the conflict "Minute Man" has over the pronunciation of his name. These moments of brilliance are few and far between however, and the film suffers from long stretches that drag, horrible performances from everybody not named Rob Low or Thomas Hayden Church, and cussing that seems to be thrown in for only cheap laughs.

If you can get past the low budget look, you will be able to laugh at the hilarious script.

[jboren · 6/10 · 15 July 2002]

If "The Specials" would have been a big studio picture it may have been as good or better than 1999's "Mystery Men" The movie is very well written comedy about a group of has-been super heroes trying to cope with everyday superhero life. You know the pressures of getting an action figure deal with a big toy company and all that jazz.

Yawn...

[zot79 · 5/10 · 17 July 2002]

I was hoping for something funny and maybe in a different direction than "Mystery Men" (which I liked). This wasn't it. Yes, there were witty moments and some of the acting was dead on character. But I never really cared enough about any of the characters. I think this is because the script never seemed to live up to its potential. And the directing never lived up to the script. The leisurely pacing would have better fit a TV movie. I'm glad I got this one free from library.

Just like Batman & Robin, except funny on purpose.

[Sadako · 9/10 · 9 June 2001]

The specials is nothing short of brilliant. The comedy is wonderful, with a nice Clerk's style hard edge to most of it. The characters well realized, and the superhero world is taken to a logical, and never used before conclusion. Most importantly though, is the fact that the film has real heart, and characters you want to see more of. Special indeed.

Specials

[mitchlb452 · 7/10 · 20 June 2009]

I really liked the dialog. It was a pretty funny movie. I originally watched it because I'm a fan of Melissa Joan Hart - but her brief appearance in the movie as sunlight grrrl was in the preview listed on the default special's page on IMDb, so if that's your only reason for watching it, don't bother. I really ended up liking it despite her short screen-time, because of the witty lines and sometimes riddikulous costumes. The whole movie is about what superheros do during their off time - so there aren't really any fights that aren't flashbacks... Like when lazer boy pulled a giant worm out a guy's @$$... But I digress... The point is, if your into superhero movies and are wanting to get a good hearty laugh about them - don't watch that horrible, crappy, pathetically written "Superhero Movie"... Instead, spend the time watching the specials. It will surprise you.

Horrific

[mrw8 · 1/10 · 28 April 2008]

Writer James Gunn seems to believe if you put a blue person in a car with a person wearing a mask then you get instant laughs. Nope! This seems like a case where the writer got writers block, but kept on typing anyway. And the result was "The Specials" a truly useless, low budget, default direction, piece of garbage. Few movies on T.V. are so bad that they make the commercials look good, but The Specials wins this prize. I kept on waiting for the movie to start, but was denied for hour upon hour. If you took a lawn chair and set it down on your average sidewalk I can guarantee more laughs and action than this entire movie. I can only imagine that this project was bought and sold to a European distribution market long before the words "Fade In" were ever written. Thus, the only people who cared about the quality had already paid off their hookers and drug dealers and were vacationing in The Bahamas when critical decisions had to be made. The only folks left were apparently complete novices in the fields of writing, directing and editing. I give them credit for finishing the film in between finishing their high school degrees and bagging groceries at the local costco. Congratulations! Maybe one day you can out go and actually make a film! Won't that be a new experience? This is the lowest of the low and I'm amazed viewers found something redeeming in this film. I've heard more interesting dialog coming through my neighbors fence. I've seen more action at the dog park. I was impressed that Tom Church didn't mail in his performance, like Rob Lowe. Church actually took his job seriously and delivered a performance that can only be described as professional. Sad. He really thought he was making a movie. I'm not sure if that's a good sign or a bad sign. He's deserves credit for earning his money. That's about all that can be said. Rob Lowe, on the other hand, saw through this invisible script from the first line and managed to avoid acting for the entire film. That's no small accomplishment for a role with more dialog than John Adams. Lowe actually mails his performance in from outer space. Maybe from the same planet the alien orphan is from. I'm not sure. Lowe, along with the rest of the cast, recognize that the lack of subtext and emotion and meaning and point to their lines of dialog mean the writer did less work than the guy who makes the coffee. So why act? Why put in the effort? The producer is supposed to have that answer but I guarantee he was long gone by the time the cameras started to role. As I said, the only high points were the commercial interruptions. The rest was absolutely terrible.

(One way that) a superhero film just oughta be

[johnnyx-2 · 9/10 · 11 April 2005]

One way a superhero film ought to be is Blade. Or maybe X-Men. Where it's pretty much animation, but they shell out the money for Halle Berry's body as well as her voice. And most of it is just watching Wesley Snipes put on sunglasses and then hit people. It's nifty, and, frankly, worth the $8 to see.

The Specials is the other way. Nobody paid $8 to see it, but now, we all ought to be shelling out $20 for a DVD (or $16.99, and spend the change on some fried chicken. And a can of beer).

A mockumentary on a mediocre superhero team, the Specials is great 'cause the fight scenes are verbal. And there aren't any sunglasses. Good soundtrack through. It's absolutely cheeky and self-deprecatory, and shows that superheros are like ordinary people. But crazier.

Just a pleasure to watch. Very clever, with absolutely genius performances by The Weevil (Rob Lowe) and Deadly Girl (someone I don't know, but really ought to. She was fantastic). I even teared up a tiny bit. Kinda. In a manly way.

A hit and a miss...

[Scarecrow64 · 6/10 · 25 May 2001]

First off: this is a VERY low-budget movie -- low enough they can't even find a make-up person who can EVENLY apply a single color of makeup (blue for Amok, green for Alien Orphan Doug). If stuff like that bothers you, DON'T see this.

OK. The idea is great: focus on a team of superheroes, completely throwing out battle scenes and action scenes, and look instead on their interactions. My big problem with this was that there are just too many characters, even discounting the eights bodies of 8 (one of the more original concepts in the movie, and regrettably hardly even touched upon). Many of the allegedly witty one liners are predictable and stale, and the little bits with the characters talking directly to the camera are distracting and never explained in context.

On the other hand, the action figure commercial is dead-on hilarious, *sometimes* the attempted cleverness of the dialogue works, and if you find stupid humor funny, you'll enjoy both US Bill and Alien Orphan Doug.

I'd wait to rent this after it's moved off the "new release" shelf. Some funny moments, but a little too uneven, with the script a bit too stale in its humor.

Possibly the worst film I have seen in a long time!

[Zombie_Nut · 1/10 · 24 April 2002]

Considering the extracts from reviews printed on the box I expected this to be a truly side-splittingly funny film. How wrong can one person be!?

This film was extremely weak. The humour was laboured and shallow. The endless barrage of bad language added nothing to the film, other than needlessly raising it's certificate. The film seemed to drag on and ended at the point where it may have become moderately interesting.

I am thankful for the fact I only rented this film and didn't pay the laughable retail price of the DVD (the only thing truly entertaining about this title). I only wish that I could take legal action to recover some losses for two wasted hours of my life.

Think twice before renting or buying this film... it serves as a true testament that you should NEVER believe the cover text on any American movie.

a nice wee description/comparison

[orangatangman · 3 September 2004]

This Film is a great example of the fact that you don't need a budget to be a great movie. solid cast performance and a brilliantly funny script show just how easy it is to be successful. while the film leans more towards the fans of the comic book genre with humor more in tune with that vein, which is why it was so good, it wasn't trying to be a movie for everyone... people who don't read comics wont enjoy this half as much as people who do, unless they like their humor dark. mystery men is the closest comparison i can think of, but mystery men tried to hard and lacked the small charm and witty profanity ridden dialogue of the specials, and while mystery men had its moments, it just seemed to rely on visual humor which i found works more for kids like it says in the Specials... "the specials don't exist for the pretty people...they exist for the geek, the outcast" yadda yadda pick this up and laugh...if you don't, well...what are you? dead?

good writing for Saturday afternoon

[lisacharlene · 6/10 · 2 September 2006]

I happened to just turn on my TV on a rainy Saturday afternoon and came upon this film on the way to another channel. I'd never heard of the film but wanted to see just a scene or two with the intention of going to something better (films on network TV, ESPECIALLY those on during a weekend generally suck.) But after seeing a slightly funny scene with Rob Lowe my interest was peaked. I continued to watch and found myself laughing out loud several times before the film ended. I can't believe I didn't know about this film! Actually, I can. The writing is superb (at least compared to what makes for a major release these days), but the director didn't have a clue. Funny, funny stuff, though. Definitely worth a viewing.

Bad writing, little inspiration

[MurrayTodd · 3/10 · 18 July 2003]

The premise had some good possibilities. With a good script I think it would have been possible to make a really low-budget movie that could entertain. Instead it was a low- energy collection of dialogues between unmotivated characters with no story arc and little wit. In other words, it failed to even be a good "B movie".

Low energy comedy...about Superheroes!

[KUAlum26 · 5/10 · 1 March 2005]

I got this one mostly because I am quite the fan of Judy Greer's and have appreciated Thomas Haden Church and Paget Brewster for quite a while now. I also appreciated "Mystery Men",which this film has been compared to. While I'm not familiar with the X-statix comics,I have a feeling I'd probably derive more satisfaction out of those than this movie,which had some very neat things going for it,but was so laid-back and low-energy that it was difficult to keep an active interest in the movie.

It's tempting to really beat up this flick because of its lack kineticism,but the characters are fairly engaging.In fact,I think this might be,in earnest,the REAL problem with this film. Namely,there are a panoply of characters in this movie,plenty of back story here, a lot of potential for story and yet ONLY 89 MINUTES to tell it,thus characters and their stories are shorted and plot lines are left to dangle. Too many characters,not enough plot or action to fit them all in. More of a documentary feel to it then a comedy and/or action-adventure.

In short,a curious film that is most certainly NOT for all tastes.

for people who aren't fooled by special effects

[xander2001 · 9/10 · 17 May 2001]

this is a wonderful movie, but if you're looking for flashy effects and big action scenes, rent a terminator movie. This is a movie for people who want to see interesting characters and personal interactions. It's full of great one-liners, and the movie masters the art of the pause. It made me interested in the characters themselves and i wish it had developed their history more, but there is only so much you can do in one movie. However the webpage has additional information on each hero in the group. I both hope and fear a possible sequel. I want more specials, but i don't want caddyshack 2.

Whew. Not good

[kevdoggy · 3/10 · 2 November 2003]

The type of movie that makes you wonder "how did this get made?" I mean it's got some talented people in it. Good actors. I like Thomas Hayden Church A LOT, and same for Jamie Kennedy. Rob Lowe's a deek, but he's at least famous. I guess they were working for a paycheck, because this script IS TERRIBLE. Not funny. Great idea. The fact that this and Mystery Men failed so miserably with basically the same premise/conflict set up makes me want to write the same movie only MAKE IT FUNNY THIS TIME. It doesn't get a 1 because the performances are really a 7 or 8.

So you always wanted to be a Superhero huh?

[stompy · 9/10 · 25 March 2001]

Ever wonder what Superheroes do when they're not out saving the world from mass destruction? Well enter the world of "The Specials" to find out what goes on. Follow Nightbird, the newest member of The Specials as she fulfils a lifelong dream to become a superhero.

Don't expect a lot of battles in this movie. Don't expect to see huge prehistoric beasts flying around. Don't expect The Strobe's lasers to be shooting out at you. What you can expect is a quirky, well-crafted movie about the ordinary lives of superheros. The Strobe and Ms. Indestructable are having marriage problems, Mr. Smart has some equipment malfunction, Kosgrove Toys really messes up the new Action Figure line, and poor Stretchy Boy, well let's just say, he's not grinning anymore.

I found myself really liking this movie. I wanted to learn more about these people. I found myself getting wrapped-up in their all too human problems. I urge everyone to give this movie a chance, the performaces are crisp, the dialog is witty, and Jordan Ladd as Nightbird is cute as a button.

Definitely what to expect from a Rob Lowe Superhero

[ouimetholmes · 4/10 · 12 May 2015]

If you have watched "Superhero Movie" and "The Specials" side by side, "Superhero Movie" would look like a blockbuster movie. Did I like this yes, why would I admit this but give it such a low rating? Because I respect James Gunn and for the fact that the movie also introduces in her most earliest of roles; one of my more favorite actresses, Melissa Joan Heart. James Gunn gave us a purposely bad movie to show us how not to do a superhero movie, such as not getting Rob Lowe, but it might as well of been Kevin Smith directing the movie. It was funny it is and was meant to be. At the same time it slaps writers in the time period in the face. Had it been a little more serious than it was we could have probably had the superhero craze at least 5 years earlier and may of had a better script for such movies like "Daredevil", the first "X- Men" and "Superman Returns" just to list a few. But the movies' existence may have stopped some writers in writing these better scripts for fear of "This is what the masses will expect." We may never know but its just my theory. Any way if you want a semi funny farce superhero movie then this is the movie for you if you want serious funny then watch "Superhero Movie".

An interesting diversion.

[garethvk · 19 January 2004]

The life of a superhero often seems very glamorous. Being able to fly, have incredible strength, live forever, and defeat the bad guys is the stuff of many child's dreams. Popular comics such as Action Comics and Detective Comics brought new creations Superman and Batman to American readers and they soon became part of the national conscience and inspired children the world over for generations to come. The life of a superhero however is not without its problems. Sure, there are the adoring fans, the admiration of the world, and the great powers, but what about the costs? There are super villains bent on your destruction, a secret identity to protect, and in many cases a day job to pay the bills. In `The Specials' we are introduced to a new collection of heroes and learn firsthand how tough it can be to be a superhero and what a burden having superpowers can be. The Specials are listed as the sixth greatest superhero team in America and when they are not battling bad guys, recruiting new members, or trying to work on their public image, they are one big happy family or so it would seem. Director Craig Mazin's making his debut film gives us a look into the secret order of superheroes in a film that is part documentary, drama, and comedy. The Specials are lead by The Strobe (Thomas Haden Church) as he strives to set a good example in the community and fight crime on all levels. The Strobe is married to Ms. Indestructible (Paget Brewster), a lady who when not fighting at her husbands sides, spends her day answering the phones and paying the bills at the Special's lair, a simple house in a quiet California residential area. The story opens with the arrival of Nightbird (Jordan Ladd), who as the newest member of the team is finally meeting her partners in the business. Other than The Strobe and Ms. Indestructible Nightbird has little knowledge of her new team. There is The Weevil (Rob Lowe) Deadly Girl (Judy Greer), Minute Man (James Gunn), and Amok (Jamie Kennedy). They all seem friendly towards her as do other members she meets during the course of the day, yet all is not as well as it seems. It turns out that the weight of not having the name recognition that other superhero groups enjoy has put a strain on the team. The strobe is always chastising Amock and The Weevil for their behavior in public as a tabloid has recently published a picture of them smoking in a bathroom stall. The Strobe thinks that this behavior is not only unprofessional, but it hinders their chances to gain respect and thus better work. It seems that the group are only given assignments when other heroes are busy or not interested in the work that is offered. There are also complaints that names are being mispronounced and that their costumes are not flattering bringing the Strobe's leadership skills into question.

Attempting to improve what looks to be a sinking ship, The Strobe announces that he has come to terms with a toy manufacturer for a line of action figures based on the Specials. It is believed that the toys will not only increase their standings amongst the public and other heroes, but will increase the cash flow for the team. Sadly things do not go as planned, as The Specials soon find themselves faced with their biggest challenge yet, surviving each other as petty jealousies, personal ambitions, fears and desires soon threaten to rip the group apart. `The Specials' is a direct to DVD release that while short on special features and effects is filled with originality. Yes the film does not have much of a story, but the film does not take itself to seriously at all and neither should viewers. Instead, it is a interesting slant on what happens to heroes when the cameras are off and how they have to contend with many of the same issues that everyday people do and how their powers can be a hindrance far more than a blessing at times. Church is great as the Strobe as he presents a leader who is ready to boil over at a moments notice from the pressures he is under both at work and on the homefront. Lowe is great as the son of the Original Weevil who has issues with his father as well as an offer from a far more established supergroup to ponder as he tries to decide between personal ambitions and loyalty. I could go on for a while about the various members and their issues but that would spoil the charm of the film. `The Specials' is not for everyone as it is silly film without much in the way of plot. However if you are a fan of comic heroes you may enjoy seeing the dirty laundry being aired and seeing the side of superheroes that the comics don't or cant show. I for one would liked to have seen more and hope that the film will find an audience on DVD and we may yet hear more from `The Specials' as there is still more of their story to tell. 2.5 stars out of 5 Gareth Von Kallenbach

Utter Rubbish

[hothatch1 · 1/10 · 21 February 2005]

This film has to be one of the worst comedies ever. Made on a budget of $1 this film lacks any good points. The special effects are rubbish the humour is dreadful at best and the actors look really fed up. I was wondering when I would ever get to see these special powers the characters kept going on about, well you do see them for about 2 seconds at the very end of the film. At 82 minutes the film is too short to ever be a classic and compared to such films as Mystery Men and Orgasamo this film falls short very short. Rob Lowe whos he?? Oh thats right he was in Austin Powers for about 10 minutes. Melissa Joan Heart also makes a brief appearance much to her regret. AVOID THIS FILM LIKE THE PLAGUE

What sick mind wrote this anyway?

[vlahov · 1/10 · 17 September 2005]

I only watched this garbage because it was shown on some cheap cable channel Sunday afternoon. It was advertised as "comedy". Boy, how wrong I was when decided to give it a go. It was simply not funny at all, has no plot and is full of mindless dialog full of filthy words in order for Americans to like it. I am stunned how most of the reviewers have regarded this so called picture as a piece of art, when it was simply a piece of something else that you can refer as excrement. When you watch all this mediocrity you often wonder how in God's sake can this be made. It is so weak it made porn movies run for mainstream Oscar. Apart from cinematographic flaws, the acting is just lame. Most of the crew needs to go to acting schools again. Acting is so bad it becomes funny at moments.

No, seriously, Hollywood, stop doing turds like this one. It is really ruined your (already filthy) image anyway.

Definitely a winner for Bottom 100 of all times. Shame on Rob Lowe for participating here.

Avoid at all costs unless your favorite movie is "American Pie".

You have been warned.

• 100/10