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THE
SPECIALS review by Joseph B. Mauceri
REVIEW: From the folks who gave us last summer's spoof of the Star Trek generation, "Free Enterprise," comes a post-modern satire of the superhero genre. The cast, looking like a "whose who" of sitcom actors, gels into an ensemble that serves up some first-rate performances with solid laughs. Screenwriter, Gunn, has a sharp wit and chooses to focus on the trials and tribulations of being a superhero. THE SPECIALS is not weighed down by special effect sequences and provides characters sufficiently screen time for the audience to get a feel for them. They may be superheros, but they still face the herculean challenges of the human condition. Some smoke, others may swear, and there are a few with super egos. One description of THE SPECIALS is "Spinal Tap" meets "Batman," yet I thought it actually felt more like "The Justice League" meets "The Little Rascals." The bottom line, THE SPECIALS has a lot going for it in the writing and acting elements. The low budget ¯ probably most of the money going to the more recognizable talent ¯ not only means low tech, but also minimal production values. True, it should fit the overall theme of the film. Still, the look is slightly below what you might expect from a better then average low budget, drive-in flick. There are a few visual effects, the majority coming at the end in a superhero roll-call. The final consideration always comes down to the pocketbook. A bargain matinee - sure, video rental - definitely, Friday night date - I'm not so sure. Hell, THE SPECIALS would make a great syndicated television series. However, I'm a bit squeamish to endorse a $9.50 ticket. OFFICIAL
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SYNOPSIS:
A group of "second rate superheros" are experiencing growing pains
and an organizational crisis. They've signed a deal with Kosgro
Toys for a line of action figures, which take a few liberties in
the designs that consequently mocks the group. The straw that breaks
the group's back comes when The Strobe discovers his wife's terrible
secret. "Before they can save the world, they have to save themselves."