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Special

(2008, Rated R, Drama, Starring Michael Rapaport, Josh Peck, Paul Blackthorne)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    Eccentric, depressing thriller won't grab teens' attention.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    A character seems quite depressed and takes part in a clinical drug trial hoping to be cured of his malaise. But instead, his life grows more complicated and even dangerous.

  • Violence:

    Les knocks people down if he thinks they're up to no good, regardless of what's really happening. A mysterious duo threatens him; a man stabs another with a pencil, and the aftermath is quite bloody. A man beats up two others with a stick. One driver deliberately runs over another.

  • Sex:

    Les has a crush on the girl at the convenience store, but nothing happens.

  • Language:

    Frequent swearing, including 'a--hole,' 'bitch,' 's--t,' 'piss,' and 'f--k.'

  • Consumerism:

    Signage for a convenience store, banks, and a news broadcast logo.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    The main character takes part in a clinical trial for an anti-depressant drug. Supporting characters are shown smoking dope.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Special

Parents need to know that this depressing indie drama/fantasy -- which stars Michael Rappaport of Boston Public and Prison Break -- focuses on the side effects of an experimental drug that prove quite disturbing, and some scenes will be too much for younger teens and kids. Characters use drugs, and there's some upsetting violence -- including an attack with a pencil has a bloody aftermath -- as well as a fair amount of swearing (including "f--k" and "s--t") and a pervasive sense of disorientation and isolation.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about mental illnesses and how drugs are used to treat them. What is the movie trying to say about the situation? Is Les crazy, or did the drugs make him act crazy? What is the movie saying about loneliness? Is Les a sympathetic character or a creepy one? What would it feel like to be in his shoes?
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