SPEC ~Keishichou Kouanbu Kouan Daigoka Mishou Jiken Tokubetsu Taisakugakari Jikenbo~ Shou
2012 / 92m - Japan
Crime, Fantasy
2.5*/5.0*
SPEC: Life poster

Watches

May 09, 2023

2.5*/5.0*

SPEC is one of those franchises that went everywhere, trying to fit all the pieces together is nigh impossible. Life is a made-for-TV feature-length film that is set in the SPEC universe, though I have no clue how it fits into the bigger picture. Availability in the West is pretty random (and largely dependent on fandom), so you take what you can get. It's easy enough to follow once you get the basics down though.

The Black Man is wreaking havoc among SPEC holders. It's a mysterious figure who is able to teleport, other SPEC holders appear to be powerless against him. The specialized crime unit is on his tail, but the criminal is elusive and time is running out. Things turn in their favor when they realize the Black Man is only a front, hiding a much stronger opponent.

The film's TV origin doesn't work in its favor, though it does allow Tsutsumi to go mad with weirder details (like the Vuvuzela trio). The lore and plot are interesting enough, but the lack of polish simply highlights all the unrealized potential. Not a bad film, just a tad too cheap to be truly enjoyable.