15 Alternative Superhero And Comic Book Movies You Must See
11. Special, RX (2006)
Special, RX is a surreal dark comedy that is equal parts hilarious, tragic and brutal.
Michael Rappaport (you know, the guy who shoots a bird in Friends) plays Les Franken, a depressed parking attendant whose only joy in life comes from reading comic books. In an attempt to become more assertive, Les signs up to trial a new antidepressant drug, which he hopes will improve his unfulfilling life. After a few days, Les begins to notice some changes, but not quite in the way he expected; he has superpowers, but nobody else will believe him.
As the viewer, we see events unfolding through Les' eyes but also from the point of view of those around him, as they try to help and/or to exploit him.
The cast typically plays it straight and, despite the inherent comedy, it's a bleak, slow-moving story, exploring mental health and the mundanity of modern life. Les' downfall, whilst ridiculous, is a truly heartbreaking watch.