Yet none of this touches on what really makes Special Needs shine - its brave sense of humor. Allowing the handicapped actors onscreen to hold their own, to be both the brunt and providers of many of the jokes, keeps the comedy fresh and honorable. Even when Killer P is hit with the N-word, his hilarious reactions take the sting out of the sentiment. In fact, that's this film's major motion picture contribution. In recent years, off balance disasters like The Ringer have tried to temper the mentally and physically challenged with something akin to soiled saintliness. Sure, they're crude and rude, but they also have a built-in buttress against such standard human behavior that gives them a moralistic pass. Here, James simply let's them be people, and it's the everyday depiction that makes this movie so clever. By being both mired and motivated, capable and curtailed, what could easily become symbols instead turn into substantive comic characters. That James leaves the caricaturizing to the rest of the supposedly normal individuals at the center of the story makes Special Needs something extraordinary indeed. It will definitely make a considered appearance come end of the year awards/acknowledgment time.

The Video:
Since Troma has yet to finalize the technical specs of this future release (DVD Talk was provided a non-standard screener for review), a discussion of the transfer and/or image offered seems rather pointless. Let's just say that, from what appeared on this critic's home theater system, Special Needs looks quite professional and visually vibrant. While it is clear that this is a low budget production, the results speak volumes for James' visual flair and attention to detail.

The Audio:
Once again, the Dolby Digital Stereo provided may not be the final word on how Special Needs ends up from a sonic standpoint. What we have here is good, expertly balanced and carefully controlled. The music doesn't wipe out the dialogue, nor do the conversations cover up the supplemental artistic/ambient elements.

The Extras:
As a screener, this version of Special Needs has none of the added content Troma is planning for the actual digital package. The proposed cover art proclaims that there will be deleted scenes, a trailer, and a look at other company releases. Here's hoping they allow James to record a commentary. It would be interesting to hear what he has to say about the original idea, working with his cast, and any backlash he may have experienced as a result of the premise. Whatever they do, Lloyd K. and the gang need to treat this title right. It's an amazing motion picture and definitely deserves it.

Final Thoughts:
Special Needs is a certified cinematic homerun, an instant candidate for independent comedy of the year and another terrific title in Troma's growing collection of outsider gems (the company will release their DVD version sometime later this year). It easily earns a Highly Recommended rating. Those expecting a mean-spirited marginalizing of the disabled will be greatly disappointed, while others wanting the mindless purveyors of reality rot to really get theirs will be doubled over in sidesplitting delight. That he managed to salvage something that could have been a disaster is not Isaak James' greatest accomplishment here. No, the real revelation is his ability to thwart convention while carefully walking across all the formulaic necessities mandated to make a clever motion picture. Along with proving yet again that mainstream moviemakers have completely forgotten how to handle humor, Special Needs argues that the future of film lies somewhere beyond the fringe. Any cinephile who visits there will be wonderfully rewarded.

Want more Gibron Goodness? Come to Bill's TINSEL TORN REBORN Blog (Updated Frequently) and Enjoy! Click Here

C O N T E N T V I D E O A U D I O E X T R A S R E P L A Y A D V I C E Highly Recommended E - M A I L this review to a friend