F/X
Quick Take: A special-effects wizard is paid by the Justice Department to stage a fake assassination of a mobster ready to provide evidence about his former associates. A terrific plot with many surprises and twists, plus good acting makes this movie a great one.
Director
110 minutes
running time
1986
year released
Thriller
genre
R
rating
Review: One of the best movies of its genre. Rollie Tyler (Bryan Brown) is a special effects (F/X) wizard paid by the Justice Department to stage the fake assassination of mob figure DeFranco (Jerry Orbach) who is ready to provide evidence about his former mob associates. The plot thickens when Tyler is double-crossed and suddenly must use his knowledge of special effects to stay alive. A complex, plausable plot with a number of carefully constructed surprises and twists along with great acting makes this movie one of the best for its genre.
One interesting aspect of this film is its careful, judicious use of special effects. A refreshing feature of this film is that you are never left feeling insulted by having to fill in the gaps or otherwise believe something that couldn't happen. Of course, a convenient item working for it is that the crux of the plot itself makes almost anything believable given there are few limitations for what can happen when our main character is in the profession of illusions.
If you like twisted plots that take you for a psychelogical roller coaster ride, jump aboard this one -- and be sure to pay attention.
Cast:
Brown, Bryan
Dennehy, Brian
Venora, Diane
De Young, Cliff
Adams, Mason
Orbach, Jerry