The Specials (2000)

47% of critics liked it
(15 reviews)
53% of users liked it
(2,229 ratings)

A satire of comic-book superheroes in the same vein as the 1999 Mystery Men, The Specials is set in a parallel universe where gangs of superheroes regularly compete against one another for glory or, failing that, flattering action-figure likenesses. The Specials are one of these gangs, and not a… More A satire of comic-book superheroes in the same vein as the 1999 Mystery Men, The Specials is set in a parallel universe where gangs of superheroes regularly compete against one another for glory or, failing that, flattering action-figure likenesses. The Specials are one of these gangs, and not a very good one at that. Composed of the Weevil (Rob Lowe), the group's most popular member, Amok (Jamie Kennedy), a potty-mouthed shape-shifter, group leader Strobe (Thomas Haden Church), and the constantly growing or shrinking Minute Man (James Gunn), the Specials are more concerned with their image than in actually doing anything heroic. ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 22 min.
Directed By: Craig Mazin
Written By: James Gunn
Genres: Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy

In Theaters: Sep 22, 2000 Wide
On DVD: Mar 20, 2001
Studio: Anchor Bay Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Clint Morris, Moviehole
Very funny, Well worth a look
Sean Axmaker, St@tic Multimedia
It's such a low key parody that the undercurrent of deadpan nuttiness and sheer invention just sneaks up on you.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Surprisingly amusing super-hero satire. Combine this flick with "Mystery Men" and you'd have a classic.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...generally emphasizes jokes that aren't all that funny...
MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher
More amusing when taken by moments than as a whole...
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
A idéia é genial, mas o roteiro jamais aproveita a premissa. Além disso, a direção é simplesmente péssima e o baixo orçamento não permite que vejamos os superpoderes dos heróis.
Widgett Walls, Needcoffee.com
Better than most superhero flicks to come down the pike. I assure you, this will achieve underground cult status one day.

Read all 7 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Christopher B

A good parody of superhero groups and how they would exist in real life. James Gunn obviously has quite a lot of knowledge on the superhero genre, and a good sense of humour to boot. Watch on a double bill with the excellent Special for a fantastic superhero-parodyathon.
Marcus W

A day in the life of a band of rubbish superheroes. While I'll admit this probably had a budget of about 74 dollars, it's still pretty woeful and unfunny, and a bit boring, and quite predictable and pointless too. The star is for Deadly Girl who has the only decent line:… More
A day in the life of a band of rubbish superheroes. While I'll admit this probably had a budget of about 74 dollars, it's still pretty woeful and unfunny, and a bit boring, and quite predictable and pointless too. The star is for Deadly Girl who has the only decent line: "What's the difference between a child and a skeleton? The child doesn't try and eat the soft parts of your face while you're asleep". Otherwise, stick with Mystery Men for your lame superheroes movie fix.