F/X

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F/X

R,

1986,

1h 48m,

Mystery & Thriller/

Action

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Watchlist

89%

28 Reviews

Tomatometer

54%

10,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

28 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

Jan 3, 2018

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

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Variety Staff

Variety

Apr 9, 2008

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

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Time Out

Jan 26, 2006

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

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

Sep 6, 2026

3/5

…an astute, entertaining B-movie that packs a punch right up to the final unmasking , and never sells the illusion theme short…the dark fantasy of F/X got before Now You See It and other illusion/heist capers….

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Don Shanahan

Cinephile Hissy Fit Podcast

May 18, 2026

Bryan Brown had Hollywood's attention and rightfully so in this fun caper.

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Sarah Boslaugh

TheArtsStl

Dec 8, 2022

7/10

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

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Feb 1, 2019

The best thrilling movie ever made!

Han P

Nov 25, 2017

Dated as hell and treads dangerously close to being laughable at times. However, the novelty of the storyline, the pace and likeable leads make this a fun ride that's never boring and shoots by at quite a pace.

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Han W

Mar 13, 2017

It gets pretty convoluted for this kind of movie. I mean seriously, I got lost a couple times. Still, it's got a great place and is loads of fun. Love how it shines a bit of a light on various effects and how they're used.

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Theodore W

Feb 3, 2013

The film turns the old fashioned thriller story into something fun and original. Alfred Hitchcock would make these films with his eyes shut and I would assume he would enjoy this clever twist on the wrong guy. Bryan brown is well cast as the special effects artist who accepts a job that soon leads to a murder charge. Dennehy is good as the old disgruntled detective who uncovers the plot. The film is full of promising actors which gives the film more depth. The film is at its strongest when it runs free with the clever concept that in the wrong hands could have been dull and over the top. If you enjoy a fresh take on an old tired genre film then this is the film for you. 10/09/2018.

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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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