Special (2006) - The Avengers it is not 

With Hollywood so obsessed with easily-bankable superheroes, sooner or later you were going to get a spate of movies making fun of them.

However, `Special' isn't one of them. It, like another similarly-themed film called `Defendor,' is a different take on the genre. If you want a parody of a superhero film then watch something slapstick like `Superhero Movie' (which, incidentally, is the cinematic equivalent of self harm). `Special' is about a decent, well-meaning man who signs on for some experimental drugs-testing trials. The results make him believe he has superpowers. Obviously, he doesn't. Here might have been the time to add in some really funny jokes into the mix. Special doesn't. It's a sad take on seeing a rotten world through the eyes of a man who wants to do the right thing, but doesn't really know how - or even get it right.

I found this film sad and poignant rather than laugh-a-minute. If people do think it's funny, then it's the blackest black comedy around.

It won't be for everyone. It's low budget is visible from time to time and it goes without saying that there are know well-known actors in it.

Did I enjoy it? Yes, but you have to be in the mood for something a little heavier than Toby Maguire in red and blue tights.

Uplifting and heart-warming it is. The X-Men it is not. 

7/10 if I woke up on Groundhog Day and had to watch this again, I could live with that