Special Unit

So I've been a fan of Titus since watching his shows and stand up, which are honed, finished products that have audience input that make them, when put to film, really good.

But what seems to happen to this film is that, with a low budget and possibly too little input, it's an okay film with funny moments rather than a coherent piece of filmmaking.

I think it really helps if you give characters a reason to exist. If I believe there is a story behind their behavior, it's a lot easier to understand their motivation. Other than a few moments, I couldn't understand why I'd want to care what happened to this group of people, and I really wanted to.

I stumbled upon the 2017 movie "Special Unit" by random luck. I picked it up and it seemed like a comedy that could be really good, so of course I sat down to watch the movie.

While "Special Unit" was watchable, it wasn't really a particularly outstanding, memorable or overly funny comedy from writer and director Christopher Titus. Sure, the movie definitely had its moments and there were some funny scenes. But this is not the type of comedy that will have you toppled over laughing so hard you'll have tears streaking down your cheeks.

The story was adequate although it seemed fairly out there at times, but in overall it was working out well enough for what it turned out to be.

As for the acting, well I will say that the actors and actresses in the movie actually performed quite well, taking into consideration the limitations placed on them from the script and storyline.

"Special Unit" is the type of comedy that you will watch once, if you don't get offended by the comedic jabs at disabilities throughout the movie and the portrayal of disabled people, but it is hardly a movie that you will watch more than once.

I feel that "Special Unit" ended up as a mediocre comedy. It did entertain adequately, but it just had too many shortcomings for it to be an outstanding movie, and it just never managed to move out of the mediocre sandbox. I am rating "Special Unit" five out of ten stars. It is a feel-good movie, but it was just lacking on the comedy parts.

I have always liked Christopher Titus stand up. I think his comedy is genius. Since I am familiar with his act and his attitude towards the differently abled I do understand his attempt to make a comedic film with a message. However, this movie just isn't funny. Period. Either it's the production values, script or some other contributing factor that makes the actors appear to be bad, B-movie actors. Reminiscent of the same caliber of acting found in Ed Woods "Plan 9 from Outer Space" bad. Maybe it was the difficult task of trying to make disabled characters funny. Don't misunderstand me. I am not objecting to the material because the portrayal of mentally and physically handicapped people. I am objecting because this particular movie doesn't manage to make this uncomfortable subject humorous. And maybe no one can. Whatever the reason the production was just embarrassingly awkward and third rate. Overall, Special Unit is like a student film produced by immature frat boys.

If you liked the Ringer, chances are you will enjoy this movie. It's an absolute underdog story that gives you a different perspective on special people. It's a lighthearted movie that is enjoyable.

I've always enjoyed the work of Christopher Titus and in this film he does not disappoint. The humor is slightly irreverent, but funny. The main plot involves a police department having to create a unit of police officers with disabilities due to the fairness in disabilities act. Titus plays a screw-up cop who ends up in charge of this "Special Unit".

The movie is funny without making fun of people with disabilities and the production hired several disabled actors to appear in the film.

The always enjoyable Billy Gardell shows up as the police captain, and we get a great performance from the late Debbie Lee Carrington is wonderful in this film.

The real star here is Christopher Titus, who wrote, directed and started in the movie and managed to make a great film that holds up to repeat viewing.

If you like funny, off-beat humor or are a fan of Christopher Titus's stand-up you will love this movie.