This is a somewhat tough post because I don’t really want to give away too much about this film.  I saw it totally clean, without seeing a trailer or reading any reviews.  And for this particular movie, I think that’s the best way to go.  The movie is called Special and stars Michael Rappaport.  Now, Amazon says that the DVD is not due out until March 31, 2009.  But I ordered it over Time Warner Cable’s Movies on Demand service so perhaps you can do the same if you don’t feel like waiting.  The official website says it’s also playing on Comcast if that helps.

Michael Rappaport plays a parking enforcement worker (a.k.a. metermaid) who signs up for a clinical trial of an anti-depressant drug called Special.  Rappaport’s character, Les, is a big comic book fan and is friends with two brothers who run a comic book store.  The concept of what a superhero is plays a big role in the movie.  And that’s pretty much all I’m going to say about the plot.

Keep in mind that this is an indie movie, so don’t expect a big budget affair.  It’s also on the weird side and not really about action, so don’t expect a typical superhero flick either.  That said, the acting is terrific.  Rappaport does an incredible job playing the difficult role of Les.  The supporting cast is also wonderful.  It threw me off a little at first that one of the comic store owners is this kid I remember from a Nickelodeon show.  But he does a great job in this film.

The concept of the film is really interesting, as are the questions it raises.  Hopefully, it will screw with your mind a bit as it did with mine.  The writing was on point throughout and the pacing is tight.  The reviews were mixed but I think the film succeeds. Overall, it’s not one of my all-time favorite films or anything like that.  But it’s solid and enjoyable and I think anyone who is into the idea of superheroes or comics will have a good time with it.  The film is only an hour and twenty minutes long so it’s not a huge time investment.  Consider checking it out if you have Time Warner or Comcast or give the DVD a rental when it comes out in March.  If you’ve seen it, I’m curious to hear what you thought.