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F/X

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F/X

R

1986

1h 48m

Mystery & Thriller

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

88%

Tomatometer

26 Reviews

54%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

Rollie Tyler (Bryan Brown) is a special-effects expert for low-budget Hollywood movies. As gangster Nicholas DeFranco (Jerry Orbach) prepares to testify in court against his former bosses, FBI agents, fearing Nicholas will be killed by the mob before he can take the stand, decide to fake his assassination. The agents hire Rollie to use his special-effects skills to make the murder look believable. Leo McCarthy (Brian Dennehy), a detective, steps in to investigate the murder.

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Critics Consensus

Smart, twisty, and perfectly cast, the effects-assisted neo-noir F/X reminds viewers that a well-told story is the most special effect of all.

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Paul Attanasio

Washington Post

Taking a page from Hitchcock, "F/X" is a nicely knitted thriller, effective if conventional...

Jan 3, 2018

Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

As contrived and plot-hole ridden as it is, F/X still works quite effectively as a crowd-pleasing popcorn picture.

Apr 9, 2008

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Time Out

The action sequences are efficiently handled, but look elsewhere for psychological or emotional insight.

Jan 26, 2006

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Sarah Boslaugh

TheArtsStl

... F/X richly deserves its reputation as a well-scripted thriller that showcases its talented cast as well as its many NYC locations.

Rated: 7/10

Dec 8, 2022

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

While F/X will doubtless continue to play best for those of us who knew it back when, it should still effectively engage all but the most cynical of today's seen-it-all film fans.

Rated: 3.5/4

Feb 12, 2022

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a better-than-average 1980s thriller.

Rated: 3/4

Feb 4, 2021

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nick s

A popcorn flick that ticks along at a good pace. The character's actions often don't make a lot of sense which I guess is par for the course in this type of movie. Some pretty patchy acting by the leads (Bryan Brown & Martha Gehman) but some great support talent. The concept was good though the movie started to slip into the usual groove of an 80s action flick. Suddenly Andy jumps on board for no good reason so our protagonist has a buddy. If you don't mind a slightly cheesy/improbable story then there are some good action moments.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/07/25

Full Review

Audience Member

What's the illusion, what's the reality? You never actually know when it comes to Hollywood. A special effects man Rollie Tyler gets the assignment of his life when the FBl asks him to stage an assassination. It's to bring down Jerry Orbach's gangster, Nicholas DeFranco. They assure him it's all fake but this man's life starts to spiral. It gets harder when a detective Leo played by Brian Dennehy steps in to investigate. Rollie's caught in the middle of a cat and mouse game. Now it's up to him to strike back. He utilizes his pyrotechnics and makeup techniques to throw his enemies off. The direction is pitch perfect, the music is intense, some of the focus on Rollie is a bit botched when it switches back to Leo though. A very well told story that doesn't just rely on the mastery of illusion. Sure it's conventional and there's a few gaping plot holes to be had but it's exciting as a popcorn thriller.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/08/24

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Yuval B

One of my childhood favorite!!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/22/24

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Dallas H

This would be the routine popcorn flick for passive entertainment. Don't expect a thorough examination of the special effects industry. It is primarily the usual plot-driven script about a man running around in the rain, trying not to get murdered by the evil guys.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/20/24

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Stoner J

Fantastic mid-80s movie, the story is just good and it was done well.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/12/23

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Ian B

This is a clever plot which is unique and not done to death. Fast paced with fine acting from all involved. Brown being Australian gives it a point of difference while Dennehy adds his usual gruff style. Im glad i revisited after all these yrs

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/07/23

Full Review

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Robert Mandel

Director

Bryan Brown

Roland "Rollie" Tyler

Brian Dennehy

Lt. Leo McCarthy

Diane Venora

Ellen Keith

Cliff DeYoung

Martin Lipton

Mason Adams

Col. Mason

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Synopsis

Rollie Tyler (Bryan Brown) is a special-effects expert for low-budget Hollywood movies. As gangster Nicholas DeFranco (Jerry Orbach) prepares to testify in court against his former bosses, FBI agents, fearing Nicholas will be killed by the mob before he can take the stand, decide to fake his assassination. The agents hire Rollie to use his special-effects skills to make the murder look believable. Leo McCarthy (Brian Dennehy), a detective, steps in to investigate the murder.

Director: Robert Mandel
Producer: Dodi Fayed, Jack Wiener
Screenwriter: Gregory Fleeman, Robert T. Megginson
Production Co: Orion Pictures
Rating: R
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 7, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $19.9M
Runtime: 1h 48m
Sound Mix: Surround

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