---
title: "Special"
year: 2006
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/special-2006"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 13856
imdb_id: "tt0479162"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 81
community_rating: 6.3
vote_count: 107
content_rating: "R"
---

# Special (2006) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/special-2006

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Special is a 2006 American superhero film written and directed by Hal Haberman and Jeremy Passmore. The film combines elements from comedy-drama, psychological thriller, satire, and science fiction.

The cultural significance of the film lies in its unique subversion of traditional superhero narratives by focusing on a lonely metermaid who has a psychotic reaction to his medication and becomes convinced he is a superhero, framed by the idea that a very select group of people are truly gifted while this is a movie about everyone else.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A lonely metermaid experiences a psychotic reaction to his medication and becomes convinced he is a superhero."

### Why Watch
- It combines elements from several genres including comedy-drama, psychological thriller, satire, and science fiction.
- It is written and directed by Hal Haberman and Jeremy Passmore.
- It presents a unique take on the superhero genre focused on an ordinary metermaid.

### Caveats & Content Note
- The protagonist suffers a psychotic reaction to his medication, which may not appeal to all viewers.
- Tone & Suitability: The tone combines comedy-drama, psychological thriller, satire, and science fiction with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #psychological-thriller, #comedy-drama, #satire, #science-fiction, #superhero

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Kanopy | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | None | FlixFling |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Hal Haberman, Jeremy Passmore
- **Networks / Studios**: Rival Pictures

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Michael Rapaport** as *Les Franken*
- **Paul Blackthorne** as *Jonas Exiler*
- **Josh Peck** as *Joey*
- **Robert Baker** as *Everett*
- **Jack Kehler** as *Dr. Dobson*
- **Alexandra Holden** as *Maggie*
- **Ian Bohen** as *Ted Exiler*
- **Christopher Darga** as *Steve*
- **Michael Shamus Wiles** as *Cop*
- **Erich Anderson** as *Newscaster*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where to stream Special (2006)?
Streaming availability is listed on platforms like The Movie Database under Now Streaming and Watch Now.

### Q: Whether it is worth watching
It is worth watching if you enjoy genre-combining films that mix comedy-drama, psychological thriller, satire, and science fiction.

### Q: Binge duration
The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes.

### Q: Essential episodes
Special is a feature-length film released in 2006 rather than a television series with episodes.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Special — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/13856)
- [Special (film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_(film))
- [Rita Gardner Dead: Original Cast Member Of 'The Fantasticks' Was 87](https://deadline.com/2022/09/rita-gardner-dead-the-fantasticks-cast-member-1235127110/)
- [Special (2006) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/13856-special/cast)
- [Moordwijven (2007) - IMDb](https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0948532/)
- [Exiled (2006) - Johnnie To | Synopsis, Movie Info, Moods, Themes and Related | AllMovie](https://www.allmovie.com/movie/exiled-am14026)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*