Revisiting The Specials, James Gunn’s First Superhero Movie
James Gunn: The Unconventional Superhero Director
When it comes to superhero flicks, nobody spins tales like James Gunn. While directors like Sam Raimi and Christopher Nolan have served up some unforgettable cape-and-cowl action, Gunn stands out with his quirky humor, heartfelt sincerity, and a fanatic love for the oddballs of the comic book universe. It’s no wonder he’s had huge hits like Guardians of the Galaxy and Superman. But like all great artists, he had to start somewhere, and that somewhere is the 2000 flick The Specials. Spoiler alert: it’s a bit of a train wreck!
Welcome to the World of The Specials
Directed by Craig Mazin—yes, the same genius behind the brilliant Chernobyl—The Specials kicks off right away with its unmistakable Gunn flavor. The film follows a ragtag group of superheroes, the seventh most famous team on Earth. But instead of showcasing them in their heroic glory, we get an amusing peek into their lackluster off-time, filled with bickering and self-pity about their tarnished reputations. How riveting!
Meet the Oddball Team
Our motley crew consists of the overzealous leader Strobe (Thomas Haden Church), the heroic yet hapless Ms. Indestructible (Paget Brewster), and breakout star Weevil (Rob Lowe). They are joined by the spacey Alien Orphan (Sean Gunn), her awkward guardian Power Chick (Kelly Coffield), the creepy yet compelling Deadly Girl (Judy Greer), the smart but scrappy Mr. Smart (Jim Zulevic), and the new kid on the block Nightbird (Jordan Ladd). Oh, and let’s not forget Amok (Jamie Kennedy), the blue-skinned former villain just hanging around for no apparent reason.
Their Big Break Turns Sour
The story kicks off with our heroes dreaming big after scoring a sweet merchandising deal with Kosgrov Toys. Spoiler alert: it goes south fast when the toys are about as useless as a screen door on a submarine. Their dreams of glorious action figures come crashing down, and before you know it, the team crumbles like a bad sandwich. Weevil sees this as his ticket to the big leagues, aiming to join the Champions—basically this universe’s version of the Avengers. But not everyone is on board with his ambitious dream, especially the heartbroken Ms. Indestructible.
The Heart of the Matter
Even with its cringe-worthy moments, there’s a thread of emotional tension here that feels familiar for fans of Gunn’s later work. He’s got a knack for depicting lovable losers desperate for acceptance, and this film hints at that. Whether it’s the Guardians saving the Galaxy or the 11th Street Kids thwarting an alien invasion in Peacemaker, Gunn knows how to weave that central theme of camaraderie out of misery. But in The Specials, the overwhelming cynicism of the early 2000s muddles the sweetness, making it hard to root for these characters.
Cynicism and Costumes
Most of the humor is crass—thanks in part to Jamie Kennedy, who takes the annoyance factor to new heights. The film often dives into a mockumentary style, creating an awkward divide between the heroes’ PR image and their real-life grievances. Unfortunately, with tight budgets and questionable costume choices, our heroes resemble broke cosplayers more than anything else. Sure, Weevil rocks a mask, but then he pairs it with a tucked-in t-shirt—classy! And Strobe and Ms. Indestructible wear matching shirts that scream ‘military chic’. You can’t help but chuckle at the absurdity!
Flickers of Brilliance
Still, don’t count The Specials out entirely. Some moments shine through the chaos. Brewster, Lowe, and Church deliver commendable performances, especially the awkward scene where Strobe realizes his wife is cheating on him—played with a heart-wrenching silence (though some editing choices make it feel less impactful). Weevil’s heartfelt speech to the Champions about why superheroes matter also rings with some genuine emotion—something that would become a hallmark of Gunn’s future storytelling.
The Road to Redemption
While The Specials presents a rough draft of Gunn’s artistic journey, it also serves as a stepping stone. It’s a wobbly vessel still tangled in Troma’s shadow, but it gave Gunn a chance to explore the darker side of superhero lore. In hindsight, every offbeat superhero and deeply flawed character paved the way for Gunn’s future hits, whether they’re idolized or just a little ridiculous!